Agave americana (century plant) — Succulent

Overview

Agave americana is a succulent in the genus Agave, part of the Q157167 family. It typically grows around 7.5 m tall. Agave americana grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. It is native to S USA to Mexico.

About

Agave americana is a large succulent that can produce a flowering stem reaching about 7.5 m. It is native to the southern United States and Mexico. Plant it in full sun on sandy or loamy, well-drained soil; it will tolerate moist but well-drained conditions. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling, and keep away from pets as it is harmful if eaten.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Agave americana

About the genus

Agave is a genus of monocots native to the arid regions of the Americas. The genus is primarily known for its succulent and xerophytic species that typically form large rosettes of strong, fleshy leaves.

Wikipedia contributors, "Agave", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Agave

In the garden

Agave americana is a substantial succulent from the southern United States and Mexico that is capable of producing a flowering height around 7.5 m. In the UK it flowers from July to September. As a sun-loving species, it needs full sun and a free-draining position; soil is best sandy or loamy and should not remain waterlogged, though it will tolerate moisture so long as drainage is good. H4 hardiness in UK terms indicates average winter survivability; the plant is commonly grown outdoors where soils drain freely and winters are not excessively wet for long periods. In USDA terms it suits zones 8–11, so growers familiar with those zones can use that as a guide for where it will establish outdoors without winter protection. Place Agave americana where its size can be accommodated — a sunny gravel bed, a well-drained border or a paved courtyard are appropriate locations that allow its height and form to be apparent. Handle the leaves and any sap with care: the sap is a skin irritant, so use gloves and other protective kit, and note that the plant is harmful to dogs and cats if eaten; for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants. Flowering is July to September.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Agave

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Sandy, Loamy
Soil moisture: Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
Exposure: Full sun
UK hardiness: H4

Plant details

Agave americana size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Succulent
Height: 7.5 m
Native to: S USA to Mexico
Toxicity: Skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats): harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Agave americana

Propagation: Offsets, Seed

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Agave americana?

Agave americana prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.

What soil does Agave americana need?

Agave americana grows best in sandy and loamy soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.

How big does Agave americana grow?

Agave americana reaches a height of 7.5 m.

Is Agave americana hardy in the UK?

Agave americana has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.

How do I propagate Agave americana?

Offsets, Seed.

Is Agave americana toxic?

Skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats): harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.

More in the Agave genus

Browse all Agave →