Century Plant

Wed, 09/02/2009 - 4:13pm — Kathy Ormiston

Photo Credit:

Marianne Mueller, PADG

Botanical Name:

Agave americana variegata

Pronunciation:

(ah-GAH-vay ah-mer-ih-KAY-nah)

Common Name:

Century Plant

Plant Type:

Succulent

Mature Size:

6 ft. wide to 10 ft. high

Water Requirements:

Low: water every 3 weeks until the root ball is wet

Sun/Shade Requirements:

Full to half sun

Flower Color :

Yellowish green flowers on 15 ft. to 20 ft. stalks

As you can see from the photo, this plant is quite the show-stopper in our perennial beds. Agave makes a powerful statement when placed among grasses and softer, small-leaved perennials. We think Agave helps keep our beds from becoming boring and predictable.

Small plants form around the base of the plant, but they are easily pruned out if you don't like the look. Because the water-wise garden is a public garden, we prune off the spiky tips of this plant, which can be quite sharp.