Century Plant

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3 gallon

$128.00

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SEE HOW YOUR TREE ARRIVES

1 gallon, 6"
3 gallon, 8 to 10"
5 gallon, 10 to 12"
7 gallon, 14"
10 gallon, 15 to 17"
15 gallon, 17"
"Jumbo", 7 or 10 or 15 gallon

*Nursery gallon sizes are trade sizes and do not equal standard liquid gallons

**Pot sizes in inches refer to container width (diameter), not plant or pot height.

Please Note: Sizing can differ between plant varieties and growers. Please chat with us if you need clarification.

For more information on sizing, please see our guide.

Century Plant is a dramatic evergreen succulent known for its bold blue-gray foliage and striking architectural form. This drought-tolerant agave creates a stunning focal point in desert landscapes, xeriscapes, rock gardens, and modern outdoor spaces. Its low-maintenance growth habit and exceptional heat tolerance make it a popular choice for homeowners seeking a sculptural, water-wise landscape plant.

Botanical name: Agave americana
Other Common Names: American Agave
Bloom time: Mature plants may bloom after many years
Evergreen succulent
Grown in the USA

SUNLIGHT:
Prefers full sun.

WATER:
Water when the soil becomes mostly dry. Approximately once per week during establishment, then much less frequently once established. Watering frequency may vary based on climate, soil type, rainfall, and establishment phase.

IDEAL CLIMATE:
Hardy in USDA Zones 8–11. Century Plant thrives in hot, dry climates and performs especially well in desert landscapes, xeriscapes, and areas with well-draining soil.

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

The Century Plant, scientifically known as Agave americana, is a bold architectural succulent known for its large blue-gray foliage, dramatic form, and exceptional drought tolerance. This striking agave creates a powerful focal point in xeriscapes, desert gardens, and modern landscapes with its wide rosettes of thick, spined leaves. Century Plant is highly valued for its low-maintenance nature, heat tolerance, and ability to thrive in challenging dry conditions.

GROWTH RATE & MATURE SIZE:

Moderate-growing succulent. Typically reaches approximately 4-6 feet tall and 6-10 feet wide at maturity, with flower stalks potentially reaching much taller when mature plants bloom.

WATERING & SUNLIGHT

Water when the soil becomes mostly dry. Approximately once per week during establishment, then much less frequently once established. Century Plant is highly drought tolerant and prefers drier conditions over consistently wet soil. Watering frequency may vary based on climate, soil type, rainfall, and establishment phase.

Century Plant grows best in full sun, where it develops the strongest growth and best foliage color. It can tolerate light partial shade but generally performs best with abundant direct sunlight.

PLANT CARE & PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

PRUNING:
Century Plant requires very little pruning. Remove older or damaged lower leaves as needed using caution around the sharp leaf margins and terminal spines.

FERTILIZING:
Century Plant generally requires minimal fertilization and performs well in lean soils. Apply a light, balanced fertilizer during the growing season if desired. Avoid fertilizing for the first 2–3 months after delivery to allow the plant to adjust and establish. Excess fertilizer may encourage overly soft growth.

WINTER PROTECTION:
In colder areas near the edge of its growing range, protect Century Plant from prolonged freezing temperatures and excessive winter moisture. Well-draining soil is especially important during winter months to help prevent rot.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

Plant Century Plant in an area with full sun and extremely well-draining soil. Dig a hole slightly wider than the rootball and plant with the crown sitting level with or slightly above the surrounding soil grade. Backfill with native soil and avoid burying the crown too deeply. Water thoroughly after planting, then allow the soil to dry between waterings during establishment. Avoid areas with standing water or poorly draining soil.

USDA GROW ZONE:

Zones 8-11

Century Plant thrives in warm, dry climates and performs exceptionally well in desert and Mediterranean-style landscapes. It tolerates intense heat, drought, and poor soils once established. In colder regions near the edge of its hardiness range, plants may require protection during prolonged hard freezes. This agave prefers low humidity environments and performs best in areas with excellent drainage and abundant sunlight.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big does Century Plant get?

Century Plant typically grows about 4-6 feet tall and 6-10 feet wide at maturity, forming a large dramatic rosette of thick blue-gray leaves.

How fast does Century Plant grow?

Century Plant is considered a moderate-growing succulent. Typically adding 3–6 inches of growth per growing season. Growth speed may vary depending on climate, sunlight, soil drainage, and watering practices.

Where is the best place to plant Century Plant?

Century Plant grows best in full sun with excellent soil drainage. It performs especially well in desert landscapes, rock gardens, xeriscapes, and warm climates with low humidity.

How far apart should I plant Century Plants?

Century Plants should generally be spaced at least 6-10 feet apart to allow room for their large mature spread and prevent overcrowding.

Is Century Plant drought tolerant?

Yes. Century Plant is extremely drought tolerant once established and is commonly used in water-wise and low-maintenance landscapes.

Does Century Plant bloom?

Yes. Mature Century Plants may eventually produce an extremely tall flower stalk, sometimes reaching 15-30 feet tall. Blooming typically occurs only after many years of growth.

Does the Century Plant die after flowering?

The main rosette typically declines after flowering, which is a natural part of the plant’s lifecycle. However, the plant often produces offsets or “pups” around the base that continue growing.

Can Century Plant tolerate cold weather?

Century Plant can tolerate brief periods of cold weather in USDA Zones 8-11, but prolonged freezing temperatures may damage foliage or the crown, especially in wet conditions.

Are the leaves on the Century Plant sharp?

Yes. Century Plant has thick, rigid succulent leaves with sharp edges and a pointed terminal spine at the tip of each leaf. It’s best planted away from walkways, patios, play areas, and other high-traffic spaces where people or pets may brush against the foliage.

Does Century Plant produce pups or offsets?

Yes. Century Plant commonly produces offsets, often called pups, around the base of the plant. These can be left in place for a fuller appearance or removed and replanted elsewhere.

More Details

*SHIPPING DETAILS

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

We have perfected packaging and shipping plants & trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible!

In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

See how we pack your plants!

Learn more about our Shipping Policy

1 YEAR GUARANTEE

At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 1 year guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 1 year guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

SHIPPING TO CALIFORNIA? HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

All California orders require a mandatory inspection by the Texas Department of Agriculture (yep, it’s a USDA thing!). These inspections happen about once a week—typically on Tuesdays, though the day can vary. If you place an order just after an inspection, your plant may not ship for several days until the next one. Unfortunately, we’re not able to expedite this part of the process.

Also, due to USDA regulations, we’re unable to ship oak trees, citrus or fruit trees (except olive trees) to California. This rule helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases and applies to nurseries across the country.

Thanks for your patience—we’ll make sure it’s worth the wait.

What's inside?

Your order from Simply Trees is more than just a box of plants—it’s a carefully curated experience. Here’s what’s inside:

We hand-select our plants for premium-quality from top growers nationwide
Each plant is then cleaned, prepped, and pruned to remove any blemishes and encourage new growth
Expertly treated and inspected for preventative measure
The pot is wrapped in a durable plastic bag and secured with a zip tie; house plants get extra protection with a recyclable nursery bag. Some Jumbo plants may be carefully removed from their nursery pot and burlapped to protect the rootball and ensure safe transit.
Your plant is strapped into our durable double-pane boxes, secured in place with a heavy-duty zip tie to ensure safe transit
A thank you card with a QR code leads to our guide on welcoming your new plants home

We take pride in making sure every detail is just right, so you can enjoy your new greenery from the moment it arrives.

SUSTAINABLE SHIPPING, QUALITY CARE

We've perfected the art of packaging and shipping plants and trees! Unlike most online retailers, we handle everything in-house—no third-party fulfillment. Our experienced team carefully packages your plants to ensure they arrive from our farm to your door in perfect condition.