The flower stalk is growing 10cm a day and is now more than 2 metres tall. It is thought to be the first flowering of its kind at Kew in 260 years.
A giant Agave montana in the Rock Garden at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is getting ready to flower. It will do so only once in its life.
The plant is native to the mountains of north-eastern Mexico and grows next to Davies Alpine House. It has put up a tall flower stalk, known as a peduncle, which is growing by 10cm a day and has passed 2 metres. That means the agave has entered the final stage of its life.
Kew planted this specimen about 20 years ago. Agaves of this kind are monocarpic: they can go for years, or even decades, without a single flower, then produce one enormous bloom made up of thousands of flowers before dying. Kew believes it is the first time one has flowered in the gardens’ 260-year history.
The Alpine and Rock Garden team will keep an eye on the stalk over the coming weeks and months. Once flowering begins properly, Kew plans to post the news on its social media accounts. The display will not last long, so visitors will need to move quickly.
Because the plant dies after it reproduces, Kew’s horticulturists want seed for a new generation. They plan to pollinate it by hand with brushes, using pollen taken from other agaves in flower. This is extremely rare in the UK, and Kew is asking botanists, gardeners and plant collectors in Britain or abroad to get in touch if they have viable pollen.
The agave is said to be capable of pollinating itself. Pollen from another plant, though, would give a better chance of success and a healthier gene pool in the seeds.
Anna Lim, a botanical horticulturist at Kew, said: “I’m already making enquiries in the Agave community to see if we can track down the perfect pollen donor!”
Kew Gardens charges for entry. Tuesday for a Tenner tickets cost £10, and the same price applies after 4pm on any day.
No date has been given. The Alpine and Rock Garden team is watching the plant, and Kew plans to post on its social media accounts once flowering begins.
In the Rock Garden, next to Davies Alpine House.
Kew Gardens charges for entry. Tuesday for a Tenner tickets cost £10, and entry after 4pm on any day is also £10.
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