Schwing! Time
Agave splendor
Our flowering agave attenuata is in a not-often seen area of the Rancho, so I feel obligated to show its recent developments. The awesome cyclonic stalk I posted in early November (see pics here) has, in the last week, elongated itself to a surprising length of over 7-feet! My good friend, Jan, blushingly admitted that she’s found some of my succulent stalk photos a bit, er …
Hello!
… manly, shall we say. I expect she may faint dead away at the sight of big daddy attenuata. But its potent display makes sense, of course, since the stalk plays an important role in the plant’s reproduction … the next phase of which is on display now …
Stars, stamens
… the buds at the lowest part of the stalk have opened, displaying pale yellow-green stars exploding with yellow-tipped stamens. Ultimately, these blossoms will transform into tiny clones of the parent agave and the once-potent stalk will dry and buckle under their weight. Once upon the earth the plantlets may find a place to root … The entire process amazing to witness.
Gardening with succulents is often surprising … and yes, sexy. It’s only natural!
Rancho Reubidoux 
I know what you mean about the reaction to the flowering process of these plants. I’ve had friends get so flustered upon thier first view. Had others just start laughing. I just love to watch. People and the plants. Um, that could sound strange. I’m still trying to figure out where I’m going to plant some more agaves. Thanks….
Funny, I thought it was just me!
Since this kind of sighting is very rare in my neck of the woods (although it happened once, about 6 years ago in a nearby garden) I do so appreciate it whenever you take us along for viewing of a spectacular Agave bloom. Do the flowers have a fragrance?
Loree, I’m embarrassed to say I didn’t go for the olfactory experience … will check and report back!
Update: Loree, the blossoms have no smell whatsoever … the petals are waxy and the stamens are relentless nostril ticklers!
Whoa! A. attenuata blooms are a rare site in these parts, too. Amazing!!!!
I’ve never had one bloom before so I’m loving it, Megan!