Century Plant is a large and impressive succulent that forms symmetrical rosettes of fleshy, gray-green, spiky leaves that can grow up to six feet long. Names from a belief that it blooms only after 100 years, it actually blooms when plants reach about 15-30 years old. The giant flowering stalk with clusters of yellow flowers seems to grow overnight, reaching 20 to 40 feet into the sky. After flowering, the agave dies, but not before producing offsets or “pups” around the base, which continue the cycle: grow, bloom, die, create more pups and grand-pups (which can be transplanted). Century Plants can reach giant proportions, so make sure you take its full size into account before choosing where to plant one. Do not plant near curbs, walkways, driveways, or patios. You will regret planting it anywhere you have to cut its leaves back to safely pass by it. In the right place, Century Plant is carefree, tolerant of drought, scorching heat, poor soil, and strong winds. It makes quite a statement in southwest and Mediterranean gardens, borders, containers, in mass, or as a focal point.
