A rare species of plant has burst through the roof of a Ramsgate greenhouse and is approaching 35 feet tall.

A section of glass has been removed from the Grade II* listed structure of the Italianate Greenhouse in King George VI Memorial Park to allow an American Agave plant to poke out of the top.

The plant only blooms once every 100 years and lasts for two months with it dying shortly after.

The Agave is a tropical plant which rarely blooms in the UK and was planted in the greenhouse 33 years ago.

Cabinet member for operational services Cllr Suzanne Brimm said: “This is a fantastic sight for residents and visitors, and the knowledge that this has been 100 years in the making is pretty special.

"The gardener that planted it is still working for the council so it’s great for him to see it come to fruition finally.

"On a day to day basis Philip and Janice Dadds own the leasehold of the building and do a wonderful job looking after the structure and plants.

"I’d urge people to visit Ramsgate and take this rare opportunity to see this imposing plant for themselves whilst it’s still blooming."

The Italianate Greenhouse is free to visit.