Agave americana

Mr Brown said: "Twenty-eight years ago I planted a small specimen of Agave americana on the newly constructed cactus mound in the recently landscaped Temperate House.

Agave americana, which became known as the Century Plant in the mistaken belief that it blossomed only once in 100 years, is monocarpic, meaning this is the first and last time this shoot will flower.

The Agave Americana 'Marginata' commonly known as the Century Plant, has reached the stunning height of 25ft 9in.

The Agave americana marginata, commonly known as the century plant, has reached a stunning height of 25ft 9ins at the gardens in Edgbaston.

All of the plants have been selected for their potential to be grown in the changing English climate, including Agave americana, Bougainvillea glabra, Citrus sinensis, Nerium oleander and Yucca gloriosa.

Agave Americana is ideal for a pot, and need only come in when it is frosty.

Jacques Cartier, for example, is a hot pink which would be welcome in any garden - but try teaming it with the amber-bordered giant leaves of Agave Americana in a terracotta pot.