Closely related to Agaves, Furcraea bedinghausii is a plant that is native to Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.
It is mainly grown for the foliage, which is upright at the top and as you move further down the plant it points downwards. These grey green leaves form a rosette and are up to 1 metre (3ft) in length.
What make this such a spectacular plant is the flower spike, this can reach over 4 metres (12ft) in height. Masses of creamy to green white flowers on stems radiating from the central stem. The flowers droop down and its sort of like a large umbrella of flowers.
After flowering the plant dies, however it will have formed a number of bulbils that will ensure the plant regenerates.
This is a cold hardy plant however it does need a lot of room to look its best.
The plant does form a stem over time and the lower leaves will die and droop down forming a skirt.
From seedling to flowering can take 5 years, so be patient.
How to grow Furcraea bedinghausii – Tips
You can grow this plant in the ground or in a large container. The container needs to sturdy and heavy enough to cope with the tall flower spike when it appears.
- Plant in an open position a well drained soil.
- In containers fertilise every 12 months with a slow release fertiliser. In the ground it will require little to no fertiliser.
- Watering is only required through the first summer and then only in very dry summers.
- Grows in coastal conditions.
- Tolerates Frosts.