Stars of the Gardens – Century Plant

Native to North America, the century plant (Agave americana) can be found growing on cliffs, rocky slopes, grasslands, woodlands and coastal areas. It has been introduced throughout the world as an ornamental plant for its outstanding form and spectacular blooms.

This impressive plant spreads across 3 metres in width, with its swollen greyish-green leaves arranged in a rosette form. Each leaf blade can grow up to 1.5 metres long with a few that may be reflexed.

Contrary to its common name, the century plant only has a lifespan of 10 to 30 years! Its name reflects its slow-growing nature, and that it takes years, sometimes decades, before it produces a majestic flowering stalk. This can grow up to 9 metres tall, and is heavy with yellow blooms that are pollinated by bats. Upon flowering and setting seed, the parent plant will die off, leaving behind baby plants also known as “pups”. These are produced as side shoots or are attached to an underground stem that will later grow into new plants! 

Apart from the century plant, there are other agave species such as the Rancho Tambor agave (Agave titanota) and tequila agave (Agave tequilana) that are cultivated at Succulent Garden, Flower Dome.

This article is part of our Stars of the Gardens series.