Century Plant Agave
Agave americana
Dramatic succulent with bold architectural presence and extreme drought tolerance.
Care Instructions
Water only once a month in summer, once every 6–8 weeks in winter. Never water in winter if temperatures are below 40°F. Overwatering is the number one killer.
Full blazing sun (8+ hours). Thrives on reflected heat from walls and pavement. Never plant in shade.
Gravelly, sandy, or rocky desert soil with perfect drainage. pH 7.0–8.0. Add 50% coarse grit to any planting mix. Raised beds are ideal in clay soils.
Seasonal Guide
Best Planting Time
Spring through early summer in desert climates. Gives the plant time to root before winter.
Bloom / Growth Season
Blooms once after 10–30 years, producing a towering flower spike 15–30 feet tall. The mother plant dies after flowering; offset "pups" survive.
Dormancy
No true dormancy. Growth slows in winter. Hardy to about 15°F depending on drainage — wet cold is more damaging than dry cold.
Common Problems & Solutions
Agave snout weevil (sudden collapse of center leaves)
No effective treatment once infested. Remove and destroy plant to prevent spread. Apply systemic imidacloprid preventively to healthy plants.
Root rot from overwatering or poor drainage
Plant in raised beds with 50% grit. Never water in winter. If caught early, unpot, dry roots, dust with sulfur, replant in dry grit.
Frost damage on tips
Minor tip damage is cosmetic. If the central growing point (heart) freezes, the plant is lost. Protect with frost cloth when temps below 20°F.
Plant Details
USDA Zones
8a, 8b, 9a, 9b +3
Maintenance
low
Mature Height
4-6 ft
Native Regions
Mexico, Southwest US
Ready to plant?
Find Century Plant Agave and related supplies on Amazon.
As an Amazon Associate, YardSage earns from qualifying purchases. This helps us keep the app free.
Similar Plants
Knockout Rose
Rosa Radrazz
Disease-resistant rose that blooms continuously from spring to frost.
Black-Eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta
Native wildflower with bright yellow petals and dark centers.
Bermuda Grass
Cynodon dactylon
Tough warm-season grass ideal for hot, sunny yards.