Photo of Agave americana by Danger Garden

Photo by Danger Garden

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Agave americana

Also Known As

  • American Agave
  • Century Plant
  • Maguey

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

  • H: 4'-7'
  • W: 4'-12'

planting zones

  • 6a-11

More Options

Agave americana plant details

Agave americana is an evergreen cactus / succulent with blue and green foliage. In spring and summer yellow flowers emerge. Features glaucous texture. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in winter. Does well in gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Agave americana

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: agavaceae, asparagaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue and green
Mature size: 4 FT - 12 FT - wide, 4 FT - 7 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring and summer
Uses: architectural, container plant, desert garden, houseplant, infrequent-blooming, monocarpic, rock garden, rosette-forming, winter interest, xeric, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Agave americana

USDA Zones: 6a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A dramatic slow-growing succulent from the genus that brings us tequila. Perfect for creating pots of high visual impact on your patio or balcony. Underplant with Echeveria for a sophisticated touch. Reportedly hardy to minus nine Celsius, larger plants w
Known as the Century plant, though it doesn't live quite that long (~20 years). Large, open rosette of thick, succulent grey-blue leaves with sharp, brown marginal spines. Offsets regularly. Can get 10 ft tall with 40 foot bloom spike.
Full Sun. Outdoor. Huge 15 to 40 feet tall spike with Yellow Flowers.

By: Moon - Sun Cactus & Koi Gardens

Big, blue and very architectural. Loves hot and dry. Fabulous as a companion, or in a huge container. What a statement!

By: Specialty Ornamentals

Sharp drainage. Full sun. Protect from excess moisture.

Gardening facts about Agave americana plant

How to Grow Agave americana

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in winter
  • Soil Needs

    • lean
    • well-drained
    • rocky
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glaucous
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