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Imposing agave plant with blue-green rosette of sharp-pointed leavesPerennials

Agave americana

Century Plant

agavesucculentarchitecturaldrought-tolerantcontainer plant

The century plant is an imposing rosette-forming succulent with broad, blue-green, sharply pointed leaves reaching up to two metres in length. The plant grows for decades before flowering once with a spectacular, multi-metre tall flower stalk — after which the mother plant dies, leaving behind offsets. As an architectural focal point it fits perfectly in modern and Mediterranean gardens.

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Before
After

Characteristics

Sun
Full sun
Water
Low
Height
100–200 cm
Spread
150–300 cm
Hardiness zone
8–11
Family
Asparagaceae
Evergreen
Yes
Flower colors
yellow
Wildlife value
bees, birds

Care guide

Plant in full sun in very well-drained, sandy soil. Almost no watering needed — overwatering is the biggest enemy. In cold climates, keep as a container plant and overwinter frost-free. The sharp spines on the leaf tips pose a risk; trim them off if needed.

Pruning tips

Pruning is rarely needed. Occasionally remove dead lower leaves by cutting them close to the stem. Wear thick gloves and protective clothing due to the sharp spines and irritating sap.

Good companions

Adam's needle with tall white flower plume above a rosette of sword-shaped leavesPerennials

Yucca filamentosa

Adam's Needle

Adam's needle is a robust evergreen plant with sword-shaped leaves growing in a compact rosette. Characteristic curling threads line the leaf edges. In summer an impressive flower stalk rises up to one and a half metres, laden with creamy-white bell-shaped flowers. Surprisingly hardy for a plant with such an exotic appearance.

Full sunLow60–150 cm
Silvery cotton lavender with round yellow flowers in summer sunshineShrubs

Santolina chamaecyparissus

Cotton Lavender

Cotton lavender is a compact, silvery dwarf shrub with finely divided, aromatic foliage and round, button-like yellow flowers from June to August. The silver-grey leaves form dense, dome-shaped cushions that remain decorative even outside the flowering season. Excellent as a low hedge, border edging or in a herb garden.

Full sunLow30–60 cm
Ancient olive tree with silver-green leaves and gnarled trunk in sunlightTrees

Olea europaea

Olive Tree

The olive tree is a majestic, long-lived tree with distinctive silver-green foliage and a gnarled trunk that grows increasingly characterful with age. In warm climates it produces edible olives following a modest white bloom in June. As a container plant it can bring Mediterranean charm to cooler regions too.

Full sunLow500–1500 cm