Agave Americana

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Size
Regular price $128.00
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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

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

For more information on sizing, please see our guide.

The Agave americana features striking, large rosettes of thick, fleshy leaves with sharp, spiny edges, creating a bold and architectural presence in any outdoor garden. Its dramatic form and resilience make it a standout and low-maintenance addition to your landscape.

  • Botanical name: Agave americana
  • Other Common Names: Century Plant, American Agave
  • Bloom time: Rarely blooms, typically after many years
  • Grown in the USA

SUNLIGHT:
Prefers full sun

WATER:
Water infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Approximately every 3-4 weeks. Watering frequency may vary depending on climate and the plant’s establishment phase.

IDEAL CLIMATE:
Hardy in USDA Zones 8-11; thrives in warm, arid climates with well-draining soil

Note: The Agave americana is known for its dramatic size and spiny leaves, so ensure ample space in your garden to accommodate its growth. It can take several years to bloom, but its architectural presence and low maintenance make it a valuable addition to dry garden landscapes.

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

Agave Americana, commonly known as the Century Plant, is a striking and sculptural succulent, making a bold statement in any garden or landscape. This plant is renowned for its large, rosette-forming foliage that features sharp, pointed leaves with a distinctive blue-green hue. Agave Americana is a low-maintenance and drought-tolerant choice, thriving in a range of climates and requiring minimal care. It's an excellent selection for gardeners seeking to add architectural interest and a touch of desert beauty to their outdoor spaces.

GROWTH RATE & MATURE SIZE:

Slow-growing; can reach a mature height of 6-10 feet and width of 8-12 feet under optimal conditions.

WATERING & SUNLIGHT

Agave Americana requires minimal watering and thrives in full sun. Water sparingly; allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. It's well-suited for dry, sunny locations and is an excellent choice for water-conserving landscapes. Prefers full sun but can tolerate some partial shade, especially in extremely hot climates. Ensure the plant is situated in well-draining soil.

PLANT CARE & PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

PRUNING:
Agave Americana rarely needs pruning. Remove spent flower stalks or damaged leaves as needed, taking care around its sharp edges.

FERTILIZING:
Fertilize sparingly in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent weak growth.

WINTER PROTECTION:
Hardy in USDA Zones 5–10, but in colder areas, use frost cloth or move potted plants indoors to protect from freezing temperatures.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

When planting Agave Americana in a pot or in the ground, choose a location with full sun exposure and well-draining soil to ensure optimal growth. If planting in a pot, select a container with drainage holes to prevent waterlogged roots. In the ground, dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball and place the plant at the same depth as it was in its nursery container. Backfill with soil and gently tamp to remove air pockets. Water the newly planted agave deeply and then allow the soil to dry between waterings. In hot and dry climates, water more frequently, but be cautious not to overwater as it can lead to root rot. Agave Americana is highly drought-tolerant and will thrive in arid conditions.

USDA GROW ZONE:

Zones 8-11

Agave Americana is well-suited for USDA Zones 8-11, thriving in warm and dry climates. It is adaptable to various soil types, provided they are well-draining. This succulent is ideal for regions with hot summers and mild winters and can be grown in-ground in warmer zones or in containers in cooler areas to be moved indoors during winter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Agave americana typically grows 6–10 feet tall and 8–12 feet wide. Its large, dramatic rosette of blue-green leaves makes it a bold focal point in the landscape.

Agave americana is a slow grower, typically adding about 3 to 6 inches per year under ideal conditions.

Plant Agave americana in full sun with well-draining soil. It thrives in hot, dry locations and performs best in areas with excellent drainage.

Space plants at least 8–10 feet apart to accommodate their large mature size and spreading form.

Agave americana thrives in USDA Zones 8–11. It prefers hot, arid to semi-arid climates and performs well in desert and drought-prone regions.

Yes, Agave americana produces offsets, commonly called “pups,” around the base of the plant. These can be removed and replanted to grow new plants, making it easy to propagate and expand your landscape.

Yes, Agave americana is very low maintenance once established. It requires minimal care, thrives in poor soils, and does not need frequent pruning or attention, making it ideal for low-effort landscapes.

Yes, Agave americana produces a very tall flower spike, sometimes reaching 15–30 feet, but only after many years. The plant typically dies after flowering, though it often produces offsets (pups) beforehand.

In colder climates, protect Agave Americana from prolonged freezes by planting in well-draining soil, avoiding excess moisture, and covering during cold snaps if needed.

Yes, the leaves have sharp spines along the edges and a pointed tip. It should be planted away from walkways and high-traffic areas to avoid injury.

More 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

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.

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
  • 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.