Alphabetical Plant Listing

Agave americana (Century Plant)

American Aloe, Century Plant, Maguey, Flowering Aloe, Spiked Aloe, Mexican Soap Plant, Agave gracilispina


Incredibly beautiful and majestic, Agave americana (Century Plant) is a very large, evergreen perennial forming handsome rosettes of thick, spiny-edged, blue-green leaves, up to 6 ft. long (180 cm). The older leaves often gracefully arch down, suggesting motion, which makes the garden even more intriguing. Mature plants (at least 10 years old) are topped with a magnificent flower stalk that can reach 15 ft. (4m50), and bears large greenish-yellow flowers. This desert plant makes a dramatic focal point or accent and can be used in decorative pots away from foot traffic.

  • Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
  • Grows with an upright habit up to 3-6 ft. tall (90-180 cm) and 6-10 ft. wide (180-300 cm).
  • Easily grown in slightly acidic, sandy or gravelly, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates light shade better than some other agaves. Additional water in dry summer months will encourage growth, but do not overwater, especially in clay soils, since too much moisture could cause the roots to rot. Keep in a frost-free area in winter and put it out on the patio or balcony in summer. Extremely heat and drought tolerant.
  • Great for beds and borders, city gardens, coastal gardens, rock gardens, succulent gardens or Mediterranean gardens. Ideal as an accent plant in sunny borders or in decorative containers! Effective as hedges.
  • Plant away from foot traffic: the needle-sharp spines on the leaf tips can be a hazard to humans and pets. Don't plant this Agave near paths or walkways
  • Attracts hummingbirds and birds but is deer resistant
  • Virtually disease free. Watch for scale insects.
  • Propagation by offsets and by seed.
  • Use caution, safety glasses, long sleeves, long pants, well covered shoes, and gloves when cutting this plant.
  • Native to the southern United States and Mexico

Agave: Plant Care and Growing Guide

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Requirements

Hardiness 8 – 11
Heat Zones 5 – 12
Climate Zones 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Cactus - Succulents
Plant Family Agave
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 3' – 6' (90cm – 180cm)
Spread 6' – 10' (180cm – 3m)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, California, Southeast, Louisiana, Southwest, Arizona, Texas
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Salt
Attracts Birds, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden

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123rf, (c) Gerhard Bock, SucculentsandMore.com

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 8 – 11
Heat Zones 5 – 12
Climate Zones 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Cactus - Succulents
Plant Family Agave
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 3' – 6' (90cm – 180cm)
Spread 6' – 10' (180cm – 3m)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, California, Southeast, Louisiana, Southwest, Arizona, Texas
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Salt
Attracts Birds, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Agave

Guides with Agave

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