Century Plant, Maguey
Synonym: Agave ingens var. picta, Agave zonata, Agave virginica, Agave variegata, Agave americana var. theometel, Agave theometel, Agave subzonata, Agave spectabilis, Agave ramosa, Agave picta, Agave altissima, Agave rasconensis, Agave milleri, Agave communis, Agave complicata, Agave felina, Agave fuerstenbergii, Agave gracilispina, Agave ingens, Agave melliflua
Family: Agavaceae
 |
Recommended Temperature Zone: sunset: 10-30 USDA: 8b-12 Frost Tolerance: Hardy in Phoenix to 18°F (-8°C), slow to recover after frost damage Minimum Avg. Temperature: 50°F (10°C) Heat Tolerance: Extremely heat resistant Sun Exposure: Full sun Origin: Widely cultivated in the world, probably originally from eastern Mexico Growth Habits: Grey leafed succulents, eventually forms clumps of 10 feet wide (3 m) rosettes. Watering Needs: Infrequent water Propagation: Suckers (called pups), seeds |
The Century Plant is one of the finest succulents available in Phoenix and other Mediterranean climates. Its size unfortunately limit its use.
Cultural Practices:
Tolerates poor soil and drought, but requires excellent drainage.
Blooming Habits:
Blooms only when the plant is 15 years old or more. The flower stalk is huge (15 to 40 feet), starting like an asparagus, but its 3 inches in width (7 cm), pale yellow flowers in panicle are inconspicuous. The plant then dies leaving suckers that grow into replacement plants. It is often attacked by the agave snout weevil in Arizona.
Fruiting Habits:
Propagation:
The Agave americana grows fairly fast in summer if provided with extra water
References:
Agaves, Yuccas and Related Plants: A gardener guide
Check for Field Collection numbers at Ralph Martin's Site
Sponsors:
|
|
|
|
|
 |
We do get a small commission out of these sponsors that helps financing the website. Let us know if you are satisfied or dissatisfied of their services, since obviously we are trying to advertise only for reputable garden supply companies. They might be helpful to get plants not generally available at the local garden center, getting a new and unusual gardening tool or get a discount Better Homes and Gardens magazine subscription.