A century plant at Coleton Fishacre, a National Trust property in Devon, has begun to bloom after 25 years. Known for its dramatic exit, this plant from the asparagus family can live up to 40 years. It grows tall spikes up to eight meters long, bursts into flower, spreads its seeds, and then dies.
The century plants at Coleton Fishacre were planted 25 years ago during the redevelopment of a garden section shared with other exotic plants from the southern hemisphere. Last summer, one of these plants began to change, starting to grow a flower spike.
Head gardener James Grainger explains, “At first, we thought it was another leaf because the leaves grow from the center and open out. But then it started growing upwards, and we realized it was going to flower.”
Over the summer, the spike continued to grow, leaving Grainger and his team uncertain if it would bloom this year or the next. After a winter slowdown, growth resumed this spring, with the spike now reaching six meters and sporting fist-sized buds.
Grainger noted, “Before it started blooming, it looked like a giant asparagus. We’ve had many questions about the ‘big asparagus-like plant’ in the garden. It’s quite exciting since it only flowers once, and we haven’t seen this before.”
The century plant, also known as Agave americana, is native to North America and Mexico. In the UK, they are sometimes grown as tender exotics but rarely reach full maturity due to the wet, cold winters.
“The plant has thick, fleshy leaves with barbed edges and is architecturally beautiful,” says Grainger. “It’s about one-and-a-half meters high and the same in diameter, but the flower spike can grow up to eight meters tall, making it look like a tree. It’s quite dramatic.”
At 25 years old, the plant’s spike is not unexpected. Spikes typically grow when the plant is between 20 and 40 years old, although climatic conditions can also trigger this. Grainger adds, “The name ‘century plant’ is a misnomer as it rarely lives to 100 years. It takes a long time to flower, and when it does, it’s the end of its life.”
The flowers will be tube-shaped and vivid yellow, growing in clusters. “It’s hard to describe,” says Grainger. “They will look like yellow flowers branching off the main stem, creating a striking contrast against the dark green stem.”
Grainger expects the flowers to bloom in July, drawing many visitors. “People have been asking when it will flower, and many are planning repeat visits. Once it blooms, we expect a lot of photographs.”
The flowers should last through the summer, dispersing seeds before the parent plant dies.
“It’s bittersweet,” Grainger reflects. “This plant has been a key feature for a long time. Now, it’s reaching its zenith by flowering and producing the next generation. While we’ll lose the original plant, new century plants will grow from its seeds. It’s the cycle of life.”
Visiting Coleton Fishacre
Coleton Fishacre, built in 1925 for impresario Rupert D’Oyly Carte and his wife Dorothy, is located near Kingswear. Designed by Oswald Milne, the house blends with its surroundings and features Arts & Crafts and Art Deco styles, offering visitors a glimpse into the Jazz Age and an RHS-accredited garden.
The house and gardens are open daily from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM in June, July, and August. Entry is £15 for adults, £7.50 for children, and free for National Trust members. The property is accessible by car, on foot, or by bike. The nearest station is Kingswear, a 2.25-mile walk via footpath.