The classic century plant in its variegated form: broad blue-green leaves striped along the edges in creamy yellow. It is big, bold and architectural, and it needs room, both for its size and for its sharp teeth and tips.
Living with it in the Phoenix Valley
Watering
Follow the shrub, groundcover and succulent schedule in our Landscape Care guide while it establishes. After that it needs little or nothing beyond rain. Chronically damp soil causes root rot.
Pruning
Remove pups to keep it from crowding, and clip the tip spines if it sits near traffic. Wear long sleeves and gloves; the sap can irritate skin.
Pests
Agave snout weevil attacks century plants in the low desert.
How our designers use it
Focal point
One plant, given space and a clean gravel surround, carries a front yard or the end of a long view.
Large desert beds
Its scale suits big, open plantings. In a small yard it quickly crowds paths and neighbors.
Contrast
The yellow edges stand out against dark walls, deep green shrubs and dark rock.
Good to know
Around the pool
The edge teeth and tip spines are dangerous. Keep it at least 6′ from walkways, pool decking and play areas.
Sap
The sap can cause skin irritation. Wear gloves and long sleeves when removing leaves or pups.
Flowering
After many years the main rosette blooms once and dies. The pups around it continue the plant.
