Agave americana 'Marginata' Variegated Century Plant
Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen
Introduction
Variegated century plant is common in cultivation, having twisted green leaves with marginal bands of bright yellow (Figure 1). The leaves gracefully fold back on themselves giving the appearance of giant bands of striped ribbon. Its tight rosette of stiff, sword-shaped leaves, each up to six feet long and 10 inches wide, makes a dramatic statement in the landscape and is much favored for use in rock gardens. The sharp spine at the tip of its toothed leaves is often removed to protect people and pets. Locate it at least six feet away from walks and other areas where people could contact the spiny foliage.
Figure 1. Full form—Agave americana 'Marginata': variegated century plant.
Figure 2. Flower—Agave americana 'Marginata': variegated century plant. Credit: Edward F. Gilman, UF/IFAS
General Information
Scientific name: Agave americana 'Marginata'
Pronunciation: uh-GAW-vee uh-mair-rick-KAY-nuh
Common name(s): Variegated century plant
Family: Agavaceae
Plant type: shrub
USDA hardiness zones: 9 through 11 (Figure 3)
Planting month for zone 9: year-round
Planting month for zone 10 and 11: year-round
Origin: native to North America and Mexico
Invasive potential: not considered a problem species at this time and may be recommended by UF/IFAS faculty (reassess in 10 years)
Uses: border; accent; mass planting
Availability: somewhat available, may have to go out of the region to find the plant
Figure 3. Shaded area represents potential planting range.
Description
Height: 6 to 8 feet
Spread: 6 to 10 feet
Plant habit: round
Plant density: open
Growth rate: slow
Texture: coarse
Foliage
Leaf arrangement: spiral
Leaf type: simple
Leaf margin: spiny
Leaf shape: lanceolate
Leaf venation: none, or difficult to see
Leaf type and persistence: evergreen
Leaf blade length: more than 36 inches
Leaf color: variegated
Fall color: no fall color change
Fall characteristic: not showy
Flower
Flower color: white
Flower characteristic: summer-flowering
Fruit
Fruit shape: oval
Fruit length: 1 to 3 inches
Fruit cover: dry or hard
Fruit color: brown
Fruit characteristic: persists on the plant
Trunk and Branches
Trunk/bark/branches: not particularly showy; usually with one stem/trunk
Current year stem/twig color: not applicable
Current year stem/twig thickness: not applicable
Culture
Light requirement: plant grows in part shade/part sun
Outstanding plant: plant has outstanding ornamental features and could be planted more
Pest resistance: no serious pests are normally seen on the plant
Use and Management
Century plant is a hardy survivor, tolerating heat, drought, and salty seaside conditions. It grows best in full sun but can adapt to shade. After 10 years or more (though not a century), a lofty flower spike is produced, sometimes reaching a height of 20 feet or more, with terminal panicles of pale yellow to white blooms. The plant dies after blooming. The plant is typically used in residences as a free-standing specimen, not planted in mass. Due to its large size, most residences only need one of these. Larger commercial landscapes have room for multiple mass plantings which can create a dramatic impact.
Variegated century plant is propagated by detaching the well-rooted suckers appearing at the base, or by plantlets formed on the flower spike.
Design Considerations
The bold form, coarse texture, and dramatic color of the variegated century plant make it perfect as a specimen plant in highly visible spaces in the landscape. Use with companion plants that are softer, with small foliage and mounding or spreading forms to contrast and highlight the stiff upright form of the leaves. Pairing with plants that have more texture in the foliage will also contrast with the smooth, stiff leaves. To highlight the bright yellow bands in the leaves use dark green foliage or plants with small to medium flowers with cool bright colors, such as purples and blues. Another option is to complement the yellow with golden-colored, wispy grasses. Large masses of low-growing companion plants around the base or in front of the century plant will create a nice setting to show off the form.
