Cordyline

We acquired this plant with the house when we moved in 20 years ago. We weren't keen on it, and attempted to remove it, reducing it to a stump and taking measures to ensure it would not survive. 

It survived, and we've just accepted defeat. Although it now has competition from an immediately adjacent hawthorn which appeared from nowhere (via a bird obviously) a couple of years ago and is doing well - in the wrong place.

This year for the first time ever, it has decided to flower. It has a big flower stalk, which is still developing, so it will be interesting seeing what the end result looks like.. 

The sparrows love it, it has an "I am king of the castle" attraction to the top sparrows who sit there and chirp in a superior way to the surrounding neighbourhood.