Charity, Poole | Posted on February 3rd, 2026 | return to news

Super-size flower spike at Poole nursery

Chestnut Nursery, which supports adults with life-impacting mental health conditions, has produced a giant succulent.

People visiting Chestnut Nursery in Poole have been bowled over by the sight of an enormous five-foot flower spike.

In a spectacle that’s more commonly witnessed at botanic gardens, the supercharged succulent has gone into overdrive, bearing an enormous inflorescence that’s dwarfing all but the tallest green-fingered customers.

Mangave ‘Moonglow’ is a relatively new plant introduction that’s rising in popularity as UK gardeners seek drought-tolerant plants that will flourish in a warming world.

Nursery Supervisor Richard Holman said: “The mangave is a cross between an agave and manfreda – a striking introduction with rosettes of sword-shaped, blue-green leaves that are mottled with contrasting deep-purple spots.

“While mangave takes less time to burst into flower than its agave parent, it’s unusual to see several of our collection putting on a spectacular show in late winter. They must love basking in the sunny, warm atmosphere of Chestnut’s shop and glasshouses.”

When fully open, the towering flower spike is expected to erupt into an exotic display of yellowy-green flowers. Richard has tips for customers who are dazzled by the botanical delight.

He said: “While mangave is a magnificent, architectural, low-maintenance plant for exotic and tropical-style gardens, the secret to success is to grow it in pots of well-drained compost and bring plants into a frost-free greenhouse or conservatory in autumn, ensuring the compost is kept on the dry side over winter.”

According to the Royal Horticultural Society, Mangave ‘Moonglow’ should be grown in full sun. Plants tolerate chilly temperatures as low as one degree Celsius, but do not take kindly to being frozen.

Chestnut Nursery, known as the ‘little garden centre with a big heart’, supports adults with life-impacting mental health conditions via its highly successful horticultural therapy programme.

The nursery, which is open to the public seven days a week, has gained legions of fans for its unusual and exotic plants, as well as home-grown perennials, bedding plants and shrubs that form the mainstay of domestic gardens.