BBC Gardeners' World

Plant details

• Common Name: Century plant
• Genus: Agave
• Species: americana
• Cultivar: 'Marginata'
• Skill Level: experienced
• Exposure: full sun
• Hardiness: tender
• Soil type: moist, well-drained/light
• Height: 2m
• Spread: 3m
• Time to divide plants: October to April
• Time to plant seeds: March to April

More a succulent border perennial than a shrub because it does not develop permanent woody stems, and regarded by many as an indoor or seasonal plant for growing outdoors in summer. The Century Plant, as it is sometimes known, eventually forms an enormous rosette of stiff, dangerously pointed leaves, and only flowers when about 30-40 years old, after which the main plant dies, leaving young offsets as successors. Plants need warm sunny positions, protected from winter wet, and in many gardens are best grown in containers.