Agave americana: drought-resistant succulents for rocky gardens
Agave americana: drought-resistant succulents for rocky gardens
Agave americana: Gardening Made Easy
Agave americana is also known as century plant. It is a low maintenance, drought-resistant succulent. Features large, thick leaves and a tall, striking flower stalk after 10-30 years.
Centurt plants are low maintenance and thrive in dry environments, making them perfect for forgetful waterers and drought-stricken regions with minimal watering required. Agave can survive in hot weather with weekly watering in summer and almost no watering in winter.
The size and grey-green leaves of century plants make them a great focal point, perfect for rock gardens and desert landscapes with well-draining soil. Despite their slow growth, agave americana will eventually become a substantial feature plant, attracting attention in any outdoor space.
1. Sun Preference: Full Sun
2. Landscape Theme: Ideal for rocky gardens, desert gardens, and container gardens.
3. Agave americana Key Features:
- Thick gray-green fleshy leaves
- Rosette shape
- Blooms once for its lifetime
- Provides its own prograpation before it dies
- Low water need
- Easy maintenance
4. Planting:
Properly planting Agave | americana (century plant) requires a hole twice the size of the plant, with cactus soil to ensure good drainage. To prevent spreading, remove "pups" and carefully trim sharp spikes. For a "pineapple" appearance, prune accordingly. Maintain balance by trimming roots every few years and propagate new plants to share the love.
5. Watering:
During the initial week, it is recommended to thoroughly water the plant. In the second week, reduce watering by half and then maintain a once per week schedule. Excess watering should be avoided.
4. Personality:
🌵Category: Succulent
📊Mature Size: 4-6 ft tall, 4-6 ft wide
🍃Tolerates: Coast, Drought, Salt
💪Hardy: 10F
🌤️Light: Part Shade to Full Sun
🏠 Landscape Theme: Outdoor, Pot, In-Ground, Low maintenance garden, Drought resistant, Tolerates light frost
🌰Soil Texture: Well-drained, Sandy Loam, Clay Loam
📈Growth Rate: Slow
🌇 USDA Zones: 9-11