Agave Americana
Agave americana
The iconic 'Century Plant' creates a dramatic architectural statement with its massive blue-gray sword-like leaves that can span 6 feet across. Despite its name, it typically blooms after 15-25 years with a spectacular 20-foot tall flower spike before the mother plant dies, leaving behind numerous offsets. This bold succulent is perfect for xeriscaping and adds instant southwestern flair to any landscape.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
8–11
USDA hardiness
Height
6-10 feet
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day). Soil: Sand. Drainage: Good Drainage. Height: 6 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 6 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 6-feet-12 feet. Growth rate: Slow. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Division, Seed. Regions: Coastal, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Bloom time: Summer
History & Origin
Origin: Mexico and Southwestern United States
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Deer, Diseases, Drought, Dry Soil, Insect Pests, Salt
- +Low maintenance
Considerations
- -Toxic (calcium oxalate crystals): Low severity
- -Causes contact dermatitis
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Lavender
Thrives in similar dry conditions and repels pests while attracting beneficial pollinators
Rosemary
Shares drought tolerance and Mediterranean climate preferences, deters harmful insects
Prickly Pear Cactus
Similar water and soil requirements, creates complementary xerophytic landscape design
Yucca
Compatible desert plant with matching low-water needs and soil drainage requirements
Sedum
Drought-tolerant groundcover that doesn't compete for water and provides contrasting texture
Sage
Thrives in dry conditions and acts as natural pest deterrent for soft-bodied insects
Desert Marigold
Native desert flower that shares water requirements and attracts beneficial insects
Barrel Cactus
Complementary desert plant with identical drainage and minimal water needs
Keep Apart
Grass Lawn
Requires frequent watering which can cause root rot in agave and creates poor drainage
Hostas
Needs shade and consistent moisture, completely opposite growing conditions
Impatiens
Requires constant moisture and rich soil, creating fungal disease risk for agave
Ferns
Need humid conditions and frequent watering that promotes agave crown rot
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent disease resistance in dry conditions
Common Pests
Agave weevil, scale insects, occasional rodent damage
Diseases
Root rot in poorly draining soil, bacterial soft rot