A fantastic scene, made much more dramatic by the number massed. I wonder how many seasons the agaves were in place before bloom, because there'll have to be a mass replanting... Or maybe it's already happened?
The "beaks" are about head-high, but they are soft and succulent in texture, covered with delicate flowers, so not as menacing as a real swan! The tallest were about 10'. A patch of well grown, happy plants.
I totally agree - they DO look like swans. I love how they are all blooming together! There is a kind of invasive, white-blooming crook-necked flower (Lysimachia clethroides) that offers a similar effect but the scale of the flowering Agaves takes it to a steroidal level. Super duper cool!
And they are huge, too, so even better. Something like giant Eremurus as well? Those don't grow here, either. Happy you enjoyed the scene. It was a delightful surprise to come upon this at a shopping center of all places.
Oh my gosh. I have never seen such a bloom. It is so unusual. To see them lined up like that it is as though they were about to twine necks in a loving embrace. It is a scene from a collectors garden rather than a commercial area. Do those agave die after this huge bloom?
Yes the blooming rosette dies, but there are offsets, clones of the original, ready and willing to take their place and continue the show. It is a refresh and renewal.
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Excellent photos! And just think of all the little bulbils to come...
ReplyDeleteNo bulbils on attenuata. But plenty of offsets. They are a giveaway plant here.
DeleteA fantastic scene, made much more dramatic by the number massed. I wonder how many seasons the agaves were in place before bloom, because there'll have to be a mass replanting... Or maybe it's already happened?
ReplyDeleteThey were there quite a while, 10 years at least I think. There are plenty of offsets, so I don't think they will be short of plants.
DeleteYes, forget the references to the tails of foxes - they should be called swan neck agaves!
ReplyDeleteNot enough foxes around here to inspire that name, for sure.
DeleteBeautiful these Agaves, I also have seen them on Madeira a few weeks ago.
ReplyDeleteThey must have been beautiful there, too!
DeleteThat is so cool.
ReplyDeleteAin't it? They nod slightly in a breeze, as well, creating a lovely dance.
DeleteHow tall are they? Do the 'beaks' menace your head and shoulders?
ReplyDeleteThe "beaks" are about head-high, but they are soft and succulent in texture, covered with delicate flowers, so not as menacing as a real swan! The tallest were about 10'. A patch of well grown, happy plants.
DeleteI totally agree - they DO look like swans. I love how they are all blooming together! There is a kind of invasive, white-blooming crook-necked flower (Lysimachia clethroides) that offers a similar effect but the scale of the flowering Agaves takes it to a steroidal level. Super duper cool!
ReplyDeleteAnd they are huge, too, so even better. Something like giant Eremurus as well? Those don't grow here, either. Happy you enjoyed the scene. It was a delightful surprise to come upon this at a shopping center of all places.
DeleteThey surely add a touch of drama to the planting don't they ?
ReplyDeleteVery well done commercial planting, I thought. Far superior to a lawn!
DeleteOh my gosh. I have never seen such a bloom. It is so unusual. To see them lined up like that it is as though they were about to twine necks in a loving embrace. It is a scene from a collectors garden rather than a commercial area. Do those agave die after this huge bloom?
ReplyDeleteYes the blooming rosette dies, but there are offsets, clones of the original, ready and willing to take their place and continue the show. It is a refresh and renewal.
DeleteMaravilhoso!
ReplyDeletePrego! :)
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