An beginner gardener has been left delighted after his large, uncommon plant lastly flowered after 25 years – regardless of understanding it’s going to quickly die. Tony Kennington, 78, mentioned he and his spouse Padrica, 76, got the agave americana in 2000 when it stood at simply 45cm (18inches) tall. Over 25 years, the enormous plant shot as much as greater than 6m (20ft) tall and earlier this 12 months grew brilliant yellow flowers. The agave americana is also referred to as the century plant as it might probably take as much as 100 years to provide flowers. Nevertheless it was all the time die after these have bloomed. Mr Kennington, from Hartford, close to Huntingdon in Cambs, mentioned: “I knew this plant would flower at some point. “However I assumed ‘Would I ever get to see it?’ and I’ve.” “It has been a little bit of competitors between me and the plant over who was going to stay longer.” Tony and his spouse got the agave americana in 2000 and it stayed in a plant pot for 5 years. The retired builder mentioned: “It was trying a bit unhappy. “As a substitute of sticking it in one other pot, I assumed I might stick it within the floor. “5 years later, we determined to construct an extension and I dug a clay gap with a mini digger and plopped it within the gap. “I assumed it’d in all probability die however at the least I am going to give it an opportunity. It thrived.” Over the following ten years, Tony mentioned the agave americana ‘grew like mad’ and he made a body and a roof to go excessive. He mentioned: “In Might, the entire thing seemed a bit odd. It had thinner leaves within the centre. “It all of the sudden dawned on me the flower spike was rising out of it and I rapidly needed to take away the roof. “It was rising a few inches a day. “It was stood like a spike for some time after which the arms began opening out on it. “The flowers began to emerge and so they’re beginning to open. It is two thirds of the way in which to the highest.” The plant species is native to Mexico and the US, particularly Texas – however are lesser identified within the UK in suburban areas. The plant dies after flowering however produces adventitious shoots – or ‘buds’ from the bottom – which permits for its progress to proceed. Tony mentioned: “I’ve received plenty of little ones so I am going to have one thing else to stay with. “We have solely had one unhealthy frost within the final ten years and I am sure world warming has contributed to that. “In case you’ve received one your self, do not assume it does not want watering. “Mine has by no means gone in need of water in the summertime months and it loves it.”
