This is an evergreen, succulent perennial grown mainly for its sculptural leaf formation of symmetrical rosettes.
The leaves are a soft blue-grey colour,fleshy and lanceolate in shape with spiny points. The leaves are edged with long white fibres.
The flower is spectacular but it only flowers once after about 10 years and then dies. The dense yellowy-green flowers are borne on a central spike that can be as tall as 2.5m.
These work well with other species in rockeries, along patios and in pots, they are frost tender so in areas of frost these need to be grown in pots and taken inside or place in a glasshouse or conservatory during winter.