Agave americana Mediopicta Aurea (Century Plant)

Smaller than its giant cousin, Agave americana, ‘Mediopicta Aurea'(Century Plant) is an evergreen perennial forming striking rosettes of thick, spiny-edged, gray-green leaves, each with a bright yellow central stripe.

Smaller than its giant cousin, Agave americana, 'Mediopicta Aurea'(Century Plant) is an evergreen perennial forming striking rosettes of thick, spiny-edged, gray-green leaves, each with a bright yellow central stripe. This desert plant makes a dramatic focal point or accent and can be used in decorative pots away from foot traffic.

  • Grows with an upright habit up to 6 ft. tall and wide (180 cm).
  • Easily grown in slightly acidic, sandy or gravelly, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates light shade better than some other agaves. Additional water in dry summer months will encourage growth, but do not overwater, especially in clay soils, since too much moisture could cause the roots to rot. Keep in a frost-free area in winter and put it out on the patio or balcony in summer. Extremely heat and drought tolerant.
  • Great for beds and borders, city gardens, coastal gardens, rock gardens, succulent gardens or Mediterranean gardens. Ideal as an accent plant in sunny borders or in decorative containers.
  • Plant away from foot traffic: the needle-sharp spines on the leaf tips can be a hazard to humans and pets. Don't plant this Agave near paths or walkways
  • Deer resistant
  • Virtually disease free. Watch for scale insects.
  • Propagate by offsets taken in spring or fall.
  • Use caution, safety glasses, long sleeves, long pants, well covered shoes, and gloves when cutting this plant.
  • Native to Southern US and Mexico

Requirements

Hardiness 8
– 11

Heat Zones 5
– 12

Climate Zones 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Cactus – Succulents
Plant Family Agave
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 6'
– 8'
(180cm
– 240cm)
Spread 6'
– 8'
(180cm
– 240cm)
Spacing 96″ (240cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Salt
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden