Longwood Gardens has waited nearly two decades for a roof-popping bloom of Agave americana, known as the Century Plant.

This perennial succulent is monocarpic, meaning it only blooms once before it dies, making it a truly once-in-a-lifetime event. Though once believed a century-long wait was needed for flowering, Agave americana typically blooms after 10 to 25 years. 

It first signaled it was ready to bloom by putting up a singular, asparagus-like stalk that grew from the center of its leaves at a rate of five to six inches per day in February. Now towering at a height of more than 20 feet, the bloom has appeared, adorning the stalk with greenish-yellow flowers in branched clusters reminiscent of broccoli. Longwood removed a glass panel from the roof of the Silver Garden in March to ensure optimal conditions for the flowers to develop.  

Two century plants previously bloomed at Longwood Gardens in 1997 and 2007. Following the bloom, the main plant will be removed, making way for another specimen of Agave americana to take its place in the Silver Garden.

Beyond its ornamental value, Agave americana serves practical purposes. While not the source of true tequila, it can be used to produce a tequila-like liquor. Additionally, its nectar is marketed as a natural sugar. 

The bloom is expected to last through mid-July.

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