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Agave americana ‘Mediopicta Alba’ (Century Plant)

Century Plant 'Mediopicta Alba'

AGM Award
Agave Americana 'Mediopicta Alba', Century Plant 'Mediopicta Alba', American Aloe, Century Plant, Maguey, Flowering Aloe, Spiked Aloe, Variegated agave
Agave Americana 'Mediopicta Alba', Century Plant 'Mediopicta Alba', American Aloe, Century Plant, Maguey, Flowering Aloe, Spiked Aloe, Variegated agave
Agave Americana 'Mediopicta Alba', Century Plant 'Mediopicta Alba', American Aloe, Century Plant, Maguey, Flowering Aloe, Spiked Aloe, Variegated agave
Agave Americana 'Mediopicta Alba', Century Plant 'Mediopicta Alba', American Aloe, Century Plant, Maguey, Flowering Aloe, Spiked Aloe, Variegated agave

Smaller than its giant cousin, Agave americana, ‘Mediopicta Alba’ (Century Plant) is an evergreen perennial forming splendid rosettes of thick, spiny-edged, gray-green leaves, each with a bright creamy-white central stripe. The fleshy leaves are armed with recurved spines along the edges and a long terminal spine. Mature plants are topped with a magnificent flower stalk that can reach 15 ft. (4m50), and bears large greenish-yellow flowers. The exquisite variegation of the gracefully undulating leaves, added to the lovely fountain shape of this plant, make ‘Mediopicta Alba’ one of the most prized of agaves. A large dramatic plant that enjoys plenty of room.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities
  • Grows up to 3-4 ft. tall (90-120 cm) and 4-6 ft. wide (120-180 cm).
  • Easily grown in slightly acidic, sandy or gravelly, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates light shade better than some other agaves. Irrigate occasionally to not at all. 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.
  • 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
  • Deer resistant but attracts hummingbirds.
  • Virtually disease free. Watch for scale insects.
  • Propagate by offsets taken in spring or fall.
  • Use caution, safety glasses, long sleeves, long pants, well covered shoes, and gloves when cutting this plant.
  • Native to Mexico

Agave: Plant Care and Growing Guide


Agave plants are popular for landscaping because they are rich in many qualities and have a striking architectural appearance. Here are some tips on how to plant and grow agaves successfully

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 Asparagaceae
Genus Agave
Common names Agave, Century Plant
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)
Spread 4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spacing 72" (180cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Agave salmiana var. ferox ‘Medio Picta’ (Giant Agave)
Agave bovicornuta (Cowhorn Agave)
Agave tequilana (Blue Agave)
Agave angustifolia var. marginata (Caribbean Agave)
Agave xylonacantha (Saw Leaf Agave)
Agave x leopoldii (Leopold Agave)

Recommended Companion Plants

Aeonium ‘Zwartkop’
Senecio vitalis (Narrow-Leaf Chalksticks)
Aloe striata (Coral Aloe)
Sedum nussbaumerianum (Stonecrop)

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Agave: Plant Care and Growing Guide
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.
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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 Asparagaceae
Genus Agave
Common names Agave, Century Plant
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)
Spread 4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spacing 72" (180cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Agave
Guides with
Agave
Not sure which Agave to pick?
Compare Now

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