Description
Introducing Agave americana – a bold and striking succulent that will add a touch of drama and flair to any garden. This large and impressive plant features thick, fleshy leaves with sharp spines that form a dense rosette, making it an excellent choice for creating focal points or as a specimen plant. Native to Mexico and the southwestern United States, Agave americana can thrive in a variety of conditions, including full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It’s also drought tolerant, making it a low-maintenance plant that’s perfect for busy gardeners. For a harmonious look, consider pairing Agave americana with other succulents like Sedum and Echeveria. Alternatively, you can create a striking contrast by planting it alongside plants that have softer, more delicate leaves like grasses or ferns. Overall, Agave americana is a bold and impressive plant that will add a touch of drama and excitement to any garden, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who want to make a statement with their outdoor spaces.
Key Facts
- Common Name(s):century plant, American aloe
- Hardiness:Tender plants and are therefore often treated as annuals, but with protection they can survive through Winter.
- How big will I get? Agave americana can grow to a height of 1.5m and a spread of 1.5m.
- Did You Know That:Despite its common name, the century plant does not take a century to bloom. However, it can take up to 10 years to flower?
Plant Calendar
A rough guide to how this plant will change through the year.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
Flowering Time | ||||||||||||
Foliage Colour |
J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
Care Guide
Soil Requirements
Agave americana prefers soil with good drainage and does not tolerate standing water. This plant is not tolerant of alkaline soil, it requires either a neutral or acidic soil to grow.
Best Position
Agave americana prefers a sheltered position and requires full sun to thrive, this consists of more than six hours of direct sunshine per day.
Maintenance
Agave americana is fairly low maintenance and doesn’t require any pruning.
Pest, Diseases and Wildlife
Agave americana can have problems with scale insects, and it tends not to have problems with diseases.no. It is not considered to be toxic.