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Century Plant
Century Plant
Century Plant
Century Plant
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Drought Tolerant Shrub

Century Plant

Will it grow where you live?

Zones 8-11

Size: 3 gallon
$105

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From our farm to your front door

  • Shipped in its nursery pot, so the roots stay undisturbed
  • Soil secured so it stays put in transit
  • Packed so the plant stays steady on the way to you

At a glance

Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
When the soil is dry all the way down
Growth & 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.
Botanical name
Agave americana
Hardiness
Zones 8-11
Tolerates
Heat tolerantDrought tolerantCoastal tolerantDesert tolerantWind tolerant
USDA zone map for Century Plant

Where it grows in the groundShaded areas are the zones where it can be planted outdoors.

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What customers are saying

Why customers love it

Healthy, well-rooted plants

Hand-selected and shipped in its nursery pot.

Delivered to your door

Skip the nursery trip. Very little car Tetris required.

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Ask us anything before or after planting.

1-year guarantee

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Care made simple

Plant it right once and it does the rest.

Sun
Full Sun

Pick the spot before you dig.

Water
When the soil is dry all the way down

Water slowly and deeply. Check more often in its first summer.

Grows in
Zones 8-11

Enter your ZIP above to check your zone.

Your first year together

  1. 1Day 1

    Plant it, then water slowly until the whole root ball is soaked.

  2. 2First few weeks

    Keep the soil evenly moist while new roots settle in.

  3. 3First summer

    Water deeply during hot, dry spells.

  4. 4Next spring

    New growth starts. Feed as it wakes up.

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.
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.
Care guide

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.

Shipping & what's inside

Your plant ships in its nursery pot with the soil secured, packed so it stays steady on the way to you.

1-year guarantee

Every plant is covered by our 1-year guarantee. If something goes wrong, contact our team and we'll walk you through it.

Answered by Simply Trees plant experts
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.
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