Agave americana (American aloe, Century plant)

Agave americana Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais



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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Agave americana ah-GAH-vay ah-mer-ih-KAY-nah Common Name: American aloe, Century plant Synonyms: Agave altissima Genus: Agave
This plant has a rosette of broad sword-like, succulent, gray-green leaves. It provides a statuesque presence for sunny dry sites and under glass. It's also a classic plant for urns, thanks to the architectural splendor of its simple form.
Noteworthy characteristics: Plants die after flowering and fruiting, but leave behind off-sets to create new plants. Lethal-looking, dark needlelike spines at leaf tips and along margins encourage a cautious approach.
Propagation: Remove offsets in spring or fall.
Problems: Scale insects and mealybugs on young growth; leaf blights and root rots in poorly drained soil.
Height 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Spread 6 ft. to 10 ft.
Growth Habit Clumps
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Full Sun Only
Moisture Dry
Maintenance Low
Characteristics Showy Foliage
Bloom Time Summer
Flower Color White Flower
Uses Container, Specimen Plant/ Focal Point
Style Desert Garden, Xeric Bed
Seasonal Interest Winter Interest, Spring Interest, Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Cacti and Succulents

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