Agave americana

Common name: Century plant

Description: Agave americana is perhaps the most iconic of all agaves a large, dramatic plant forming a bold rosette of grey-green, heavily armed leaves with formidable marginal teeth and a stout terminal spine. Often called the century plant due to the misconception that it flowers only once per century (it typically flowers after 1030 years), it eventually produces a spectacular flower spike reaching 68 metres in height. A powerful architectural statement for large containers, warm sheltered borders, or Mediterranean-style gardens.

Other benefits: iconic architectural specimen, drought tolerant, low maintenance, deer resistant, highly impactful focal point

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 1.2m x 1.8m

Position: Full sun; warm and sheltered; excellent drainage essential; thrives against a south-facing wall

Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline; tolerates poor, well-drained soils including chalky soils

Moisture: Very drought tolerant once established; requires sharply drained soil; intolerant of waterlogging

Winter hardiness: Cold hardy to approximately -10C when dry; protect from winter wet in the UK