Furcraea longaeva

Furcraea longaeva is not entirely uncommon along the southern and western coastal regions of the country where the warm maritime winds provide a relatively frost-free environment for it to survive the rigours of the UK wnter. Other regions will find it more of a challenge but it can also pull through the winter in the London urban micro-climate. It is an attractive plant with large blueish/green strappy thornless leaves not unlike a less-robust and much less hardy Beschorneria yuccoides. It is its inflorescence however, that makes it such a spectacular plant. Upon maturity, the monocarpic Furcraea longaeva sends up its giant flowering tower some five or more meters in height. They have many airy branches of yellow flowers which result not only in seedpods but large bulbils that can be planted directly for new plants.

An inspiring exotic xerophyte if you have the right location and can provide a protected winter aspect. Alternatively, you could grow it in a large container and move it under glass (and fleece) during the winter and bring it outside for the summers.