Agave chrysantha (Golden Flowered Century Plant)

A fascinating North American Agave, Agave chrysantha (Golden Flowered Century Plant) is an evergreen, perennial succulent forming a pretty rosette of fleshy, sword-shaped, gray-green leaves which radiate gracefully from the center of the plant, giving it a neat and rounded shape. Deeply guttered, the leaves are lined with sharp spines along their edges and with a terminal spine. Mature plants (over 10 years) flower only once. They are topped with a magnificent flowering spike that can reach 21 ft. (7 m), and bears clusters of brilliant golden yellow flowers, which grace the skyline. Eye-catching, the nectar-rich blooms will attract the attention of scores of bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. The flowering rosette dies after flowering but reseeds readily to form colonies. Attractive, vigorous, and very easy to grow, this desert plant is also one of the most heat-resistant Agaves for the low desert.

• Slowly grows up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and 4-5 ft. wide (120-150 cm).
• Easily grown in well-drained soils in full sun or light shade. Tolerates most soil types as long as the soil is not kept soggy. Little irrigation is required except in the heat of summer. Drought tolerant once established.
• Great for desert 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
• Attracts hummingbirds and birds but is deer resistant
• Virtually disease free. Watch for scale insects.
• Propagate by offsets.
• Use caution, safety glasses, long sleeves, long pants, well-covered shoes, and gloves when cutting this plant.
• Native to Arizona