Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Agave americana 'Variegata'
Variegated Century Plant
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Height
- 4 to 6 ft
- Width
- 6 to 10 ft
- Flower color
- Yellow to greenish-yellow on tall flowering stalk
- Foliage color
- Blue-green leaves with broad creamy-yellow margins and sharp terminal spines
- Bloom time
- Summer
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Low
- Maintenance
- Low; remove offsets if spreading is unwanted and protect from excessive winter moisture
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 8 to 11
- Wildlife
- Bees and hummingbirds
About this plant
Agave americana 'Variegata' forms a bold rosette of thick, sword-shaped leaves edged in creamy yellow with blue-green centers. Evergreen foliage bears fine marginal teeth and a firm terminal spine, maintaining a strong architectural presence through the seasons. Mature plants eventually produce a tall summer flowering stalk carrying branched clusters of yellow-green blooms, after which the rosette declines, reflecting its monocarpic habit.
Used as a focal specimen in warm-climate landscapes, containers, or sheltered courtyards, the variegated foliage provides enduring structure and luminous contrast. Offsets slowly expand the planting over time, allowing long-term presence in dry garden compositions and architectural plantings throughout the year.
Works well in
Borders · Sun Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Hummingbird Gardens · Waterwise Gardens
Companion plants
Coreopsis · Russian sage · Sedums · Peonies · Coneflowers · Salvias
Design tip
The long summer show pairs well with plants that peak earlier, keeping one area interesting for months. In full sun it holds its shape best, and grouping several together keeps the color strong enough to be seen from across the garden.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at Heronswood Garden.
