Since mid-March, the central stalk of the agave plant at Phipps Conservatory has grown more than 33 feet straight through the roof of the Desert Room. The agave has endured the elements, surviving frost, storms and wind to produce its distinctive yellow blooms, the only ones it will ever have.

PITTSBURGH — The agave americana at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens sprouted a flower stalk in mid-March, and now the wait is officially over: It's blooming!

This particular type of agave sprouts flowers for a couple weeks only once in its lifetime.

The plant is estimated at between 40- and 50-years-old. Since mid-March, its central stalk has grown more than 33 feet straight through the roof of Phipps' Desert Room.

The agave has endured the elements, surviving frost, storms and whipping winds, which recently caused the stalk to snap. Horticulturists bandaged the agave with a splint, duct tape and ropes and hoped for the best.

The repairs worked: The plant now displays yellow blooms.

Guests should take binoculars for a stroll through the outdoor Japanese Garden, which offers the best vantage point of the plant.

Also happening at Phipps are Summertime Gargoyle Nights from 5 to 9 p.m. Fridays through Sept. 12.

The evenings feature docent-led gargoyle tours and barbecue bites. Admission is $20. Fresh-squeezed hard lemonade will be available. Tours start at 6 and 7:30 p.m. Fridays and are free with general admission; participation in Gargoyle Nights is not required.Also open is the annual butterfly forest through Sept. 6.Phipps at One Schenley Park is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and until 10 p.m. FridaysAdmission is $12 for adults, $11 for senior citizens age 62 and older and students with valid ID, $9 for children ages 2 to 18, and free for children younger than 2.For more information, call 412-622-6914 or visit www.phipps.conservatory.org.

Since mid-March, the central stalk of the agave plant at Phipps Conservatory has grown more than 33 feet straight through the roof of the Desert Room. The agave has endured the elements, surviving frost, storms and wind to produce its distinctive yellow blooms, the only ones it will ever have. The bloom of the agave americana plant resembles a spray of sunshine, and the plant will only bloom once in its lifetime.