Century Plant (Agave Americana)

Native to central Mexico, Century plant or Agave americana bears 6-foot long blue-green leaves with a sharp spine on the tip. After 10 years or more, showy flower clusters shoot skyward, achieving heights of 20-40 feet and crowned by flowers that develop in late summer and may last for weeks or months.

It is perhaps the most popular Agave, now common throughout the world’s temperate climates. They are excellent in containers but will need more frequent watering. They are lovely against smooth stucco or adobe walls. Given full sun and well-draining soil, Agave Americana is a succulent perennial that will reach 10 feet in width given ample room. Naturally popular in desert and other arid regions, Agave americana makes a bold statement wherever it calls home.