Century Plant and Agave in the Florida Landscape Design

Newcomers to northeast Florida are often captivated by the site of the gigantic century plants thriving so impressively in landscape designs from St. Augustine to Ormond Beach. Also known as maguey or American aloe (although not in the aloe family), century plant (Agave americana) actually only lives to be 10-30 years. This waterwise ornamental plant has a large dramatic form when fully grown and is prized for modernist, desert-style landscape designs, as well as being perfectly suited for Florida-friendly xeriscaping.

The spreading rosette shape of century plant can grow as wide as 13 feet and its leaves can be almost seven feet long.  Each leaf tip is extremely sharp and can pierce skin, so do not plant this drought tolerant beauty anywhere near a childrens' play area!  Alternatively, century plants can be cultivated along a perimeter as a natural fence to keep people or animals in or out of a designated zone.  The two most commonly encountered Agaves are the blue straight leaved type and the variegated curly leaved species.  If you are drawn to more exotic varieties, landscapers can help you incorporate them into your landscape design for St. Augustine, Palm Coast, and Ormond Beach.    

These succulents will bloom only once, their unique flowers growing many feet in the air on stalks, and after they bloom they will die.  So enjoy this amazing plant for as long as it lives! Various Agaves are used to produce tequila, mezcal, and pulque in Mexico, as well as agave nectar, a healthy and natural alternative to sugar.  The fibers from certain century plants are also used in Mexican crafts and textiles. 

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚