Variegated Century Plant (Agave americana 'Marginata'): Bold Striped Succulent

Overview

The Variegated Century Plant, Agave americana 'Marginata', is a majestic rosette-forming succulent with broad, arching leaves edged in creamy yellow. Each leaf can span 6 feet, creating a fountain-like silhouette. This cultivar adds year-round architectural drama to xeriscapes, Mediterranean gardens, and large containers. Though called "century plant," it typically blooms after 10–30 years, sending up a towering flower stalk before the main rosette dies, leaving offsets to continue the colony.

Key Features

• Foliage: Blue-green leaves with broad creamy-yellow margins; sharp terminal spines and marginal teeth.
• Size: 6–10 ft tall and wide at maturity.
• Bloom: Once-in-a-lifetime event; 15–30 ft stalk with yellow-green flowers.
• Uses: Focal point, barrier planting, erosion control on slopes.

Care Guidelines

Light

Full sun to light shade. Best variegation in full sun.

Water

Very low once established. Water deeply but infrequently; none in winter.

Soil

Gritty, well-drained soil. Tolerates poor, rocky substrates.

Hardiness

USDA zones 8b–11. Protect from hard freezes.

Taxonomy

Family:	Agavaceae
Genus:	Agave (a-GAH-vee)
Cultivar:	Marginata
Synonym:	Agave americana var. marginata