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Key characteristics

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

Perennials

Agave americana 'Variegata'

Variegated Century 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.

Light

Full sun

Water

Low

Bloom time

Summer

Find this plant

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.