tulipblog:

Green Patrol: Giant Agave 

Spotted in Acton, London, this enormous Agave plant in flower stretches high into the sky. Although it is too big for its patch, it adds height and drama to this row of suburban houses. Agaves are perennial succulents and native to Mexico, the US and South America. Unfortunately they only flower once in a lifetime, and then die. They look dramatic planted in brightly coloured pots and suit courtyard gardens with rendered walls and architectural planting. 

Photograph © Harriet Worsley 

Impressive reach for such a squat plant. Though I suppose, given only one chance to do it right, I’d put the effort in, too. More importantly, I don’t see the possible rise of the Agave genus in British home gardens challenging Mexico’s hold on the tequila industry anytime soon. —MN