Tucked in the Glasshouse Bays, the false red agave is showing its pendent tubular flowers to great effect.
Previously considered a member of the Agave family, Beschorneria septentrionalis is now recognized as a member of the closely-related Asparagaceae, or asparagus family. The slender, red flowers have a green tip and are held on a vivid red stem to 2m in height, aloft a basal rosette of strappy leaves. This is an endemic species from north-eastern Mexico, where it grows in mountainous dry woodland. Here in the United Kingdom it will grow in a sheltered or protected position in sun or shade.