Agave Americana Plant

Century plant

Agave americana — commonly called Century Plant — is a bold, architectural succulent perennial valued for its dramatic form and striking foliage. It forms a large, symmetrical rosette of thick, fleshy, blue-green to gray-green leaves edged with sharp spines and a strong terminal point. Some selections feature creamy yellow variegation along the margins. Mature plants may produce an impressive flowering stalk reaching 15–25 feet tall, bearing clusters of yellow-green flowers before the main rosette dies, typically after many years.

Mature Size:
Width: 6–10 ft
Height: 4–6 ft (rosette); flower stalk up to 15–25 ft

USDA Zones: 8a–11b
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained soils; thrives in sandy or rocky conditions
Water: Low; highly drought tolerant once established

Wildlife: Flowers attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds

Features & Landscape Uses:
Form: Large, architectural rosette with bold, sculptural presence
Excellent for xeriscaping, desert gardens, and containers
Dramatic focal point in warm climates
Highly tolerant of heat, drought, and poor soils
Variegated forms add additional visual interest

Maintenance:
Low maintenance; remove offsets (pups) to control spread or propagate
Handle with care due to sharp spines and leaf tips
Protect from excessive winter moisture in marginal climates

Plant type

Cactus And Succulents

Height

4-6'

Width

8-10'

Hardiness zones

8–12

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Fast

Flower color

Yellow Green

Leaf color

Blue Green

Soil

Loamy, Sandy

Landscape use

Accent Plant

Shape

Vase Shaped

Drought tolerant

Yes