See Phipps' rare agave "death bloom"

One of Phipps' oldest residents is showing off before the curtain falls for good.

Why it matters: The conservatory's 50- to 60-year-old Agave americana, or "century plant," is in the midst of its only bloom — a spectacular event sometimes called a "death bloom" that signals the end of the plant's life cycle.

The intrigue: The flowering stalk soared so high (20-30 feet) that Phipps removed a pane of glass from the Desert Room roof to accommodate it. As the plant declines, new "pups" already growing at its base will carry on its legacy.

Fun fact: Phipps is showcasing three rare agave blooms simultaneously — Agave americana, blue agave and Thorncrest agave — each flowering only once in its lifetime.

What's next: Adiós Agave Night at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is 5–10pm Friday with agave-inspired cocktails and mocktails, horticulture talks and free succulents for the first 300 guests.