A life of effort for one crowning moment

This from my friend Donna,

"It’s actually pretty hard to kill most plants. It’s the other ones you’ll covet."

And it has already begun. I am coveting a plant that could be particularly difficult to grow in the Midwest. I know this not because of my expert gardening knowledge but because I found it as a regional pick in Fine Gardening. It was a regional pick for the southwest region, and that is not my area, BUT, and this is a very big BUT, the hardiness zones on the Century plant Agave parryi are 4-10 and Minnesota could be considered zone 4, maybe, if it isn't a hard winter for the next 10-15 years. Here is why I desire this plant so much.

From Fine Gardening: Century plant boasts a trance-inducing turquoise beauty. This plant remains compact for most of its 10-12 year life span. In its last year, it produces one of the most striking flowers on earth.

Imagine this, a life of effort for one crowning moment of glory. And it is all worth it.