Kew Gardens Agave Montana Begins Rare 'Death Bloom'
A plant, believed to be over 20 years old, is entering its final flowering cycle, a process expected to last until spring.
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A rare Agave Montana at Kew Gardens has begun a spectacular 'death bloom', marking the end of its life cycle. The plant, which was established in the gardens around 20 years ago, is now entering its final reproductive phase. This event, where a monocarpic plant produces one large bloom before dying, is a significant botanical occurrence.
Rapid Growth and Expected Bloom
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The Agave Montana, native to the mountainous regions of north-eastern Mexico, is currently exhibiting rapid growth. It is extending its flower stalk, known as a peduncle, at a rate of approximately 10 centimetres per day. This asparagus-shaped shoot is predicted to reach a height of five metres before it produces thousands of yellow and pink flowers next spring. Anna Lim, a botanical horticulturist at Kew Gardens, described the event as an 'amazing botanical event' that may only be witnessed once every few decades. The plant's growth will pause over winter before resuming in the spring. Once it has flowered, the plant will die.
Climate Change Link and Rarity
Experts at Kew Gardens believe the timing of the bloom may be linked to recent extreme weather conditions. Thomas Freeth, head of collection management, stated that the bloom is 'a tell-tale sign of our rapidly changing climate.' He suggested that gardens will need to adapt to cope with such conditions, predicting more such events in the future. The Agave Montana requires little watering, making it suitable for drier climates. This is only the third instance of an Agave Montana blooming in the UK; the most recent occurred in Norfolk in 2023, also believed to be influenced by a heatwave.
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Cross-Pollination Efforts
Kew Gardens is actively seeking to cross-pollinate the Agave Montana, referring to it as 'the UK’s most eligible agave'. Ms Lim has begun making inquiries within the agave community to find a suitable pollen donor. Kew Gardens planted two Agave Montanas in 2007, and the second plant has not yet begun its blooming cycle.
Questions this report answers
+What is a 'death bloom'?
A 'death bloom' refers to the final flowering event of a monocarpic plant, such as the Agave Montana. These plants spend many years growing before producing a single, often spectacular, inflorescence. After this reproductive cycle, the plant dies.
+How fast is the Agave Montana growing?
The Agave Montana at Kew Gardens is growing at an average rate of about 10 centimetres per day. Its flower stalk, or peduncle, is expected to reach five metres in height before it blooms next spring.
+How rare is this event in the UK?
This is only the third known instance of an Agave Montana blooming in the UK. The most recent occurrence was in Norfolk in 2023. Experts believe these events are becoming more frequent due to climate change.
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