Overview
Century plant is a bold blue-green agave with a large architectural rosette. It handles heat, drought, and exposed Florida sites when planted in sharply drained soil.
Mature Size and Habit
The rosette often reaches 4 to 6 feet tall and 8 to 10 feet wide. Mature plants eventually send up a very tall flower stalk, then the flowering rosette dies. Offsets may continue the planting.
Best Landscape Uses
Use it as a specimen in broad gravel beds, xeric gardens, coastal landscapes, or erosion-control plantings. Give it generous open space.
Sunlight
Full sun produces compact growth and strong color.
Soil, Drainage, and Irrigation
Excellent drainage is essential. Sandy or rocky soil works well. Water during establishment, then irrigate sparingly. Frequent irrigation promotes rot.
Best Planting Season for Tampa and Central Florida
Plant from late winter through spring or during warm dry weather. Avoid placing a new plant into saturated soil during the summer rainy season.
Pruning and Maintenance
Remove dead lower leaves with protective gloves and eye protection. Control offsets when a single specimen is desired.
Wildlife Value
The large flower stalk provides nectar for pollinators and hummingbirds when the plant blooms.
Cold and Heat Sensitivity
It tolerates heat and brief cold better than many tropical succulents. Wet cold soil creates the greatest risk.
Safety, Roots, and Placement Warnings
Leaf tips and margins carry sharp spines. Sap may irritate skin. Keep it far from walks, play areas, doors, pool decks, and service paths.
Invasive Concerns
It is native to Mexico, not Florida. Control offsets and remove unwanted seedlings to keep the planting contained.
Helpful Resources
UF/IFAS century plant guidance
Local Delivery
Local delivery only in approved South Tampa ZIP codes. $600.00 minimum plant order. $100.00 flat delivery fee. Ecoscape will contact you to schedule delivery.