FAMILY: AGAVACEAE
GENUS: Agave
SPECIES: americana
Agave americana (Century Plant)
I have always wanted an Agave, so I bought this one from Gulf Coast Exotics, an eBay Seller. His description said grows 8 feet tall and will produce flower spikes up to 25′. They are supposed to be a very fast and aggressive grower. They are hardy in Zone 7. They tolerate heat and drought and do best in full sun.
The seller actually sent two, one somewhat smaller than the other.
I have several more in my “wish list”.
I saw some really HUGE ones in several yards in California and even here in Mississippi. My brother has a very big one in an upstairs bedroom, in a huge pot in Minnesota.
As adaptable as they are in just about any location, I would really recommend growing Agave. There are so many species to choose from in all shapes, sizes, and colors! Of course, they are drought tolerant! Some species grow in pretty high altitudes that get really cold!
The larger Agave americana. Picture taken 9-3-09.
This is the smaller one. Picture taken 8-7-09.
Agave americana taken on 12-16-09.
