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agave americana varieties

Agave americana varieties are celebrated for their spectacular rosettes, drought tolerance, and striking architectural presence in both gardens and pots. These succulents bring a dramatic flair to New Zealand landscapes with their distinctive, often variegated leaves and impressive size. Whether you are new to agaves or a dedicated collector, exploring the different forms of Agave americana means discovering a wealth of beauty, texture, and colour for your outdoor or indoor plantings. Below, we take a closer look at some of the most popular and visually stunning Agave americana varieties available, along with tips for choosing the right one for your garden.

bulbine-frutescens--1

Bulbine frutescens

Bulbine frutescens is a hardy evergreen perennial valued for its succulent like foliage and long lasting spikes of bright yellow or orange star shaped flowers that appear from spring through autumn.

From $19.50

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 40 cm
Spread: 65 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Autumn
Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern
agave-americana-variegata--1

Agave americana 'Variegata' (Variegated Century Plant)

Agave americana 'Variegata' is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its bold architectural form and strongly variegated foliage. It forms a large rosette of broad green leaves edged with creamy yellow, creating dramatic colour and structure throughout the year.

From $15.95

Suited to regions: Alpine, Temperate
Plant type: Succulents
Height: 1.75 m
Spread: 2.50 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern
Agave americana mediopicta aurea plant with yellow and blue stripes.
Agave americana 'Mediopicta Aurea'

Agave americana 'Mediopicta Aurea' is a striking evergreen succulent prized for its bold variegated foliage and dramatic architectural form. It...

OUT OF STOCK
Agave americana 'Mediopicta alba' plant with blue and white striped leaves.
Agave americana 'Mediopicta Alba'

Agave americana 'Mediopicta Alba' is a striking architectural succulent valued for its bold blue green leaves with a dramatic creamy white central...

OUT OF STOCK
bulbine-frutescens--1
Bulbine frutescens

Bulbine frutescens is a hardy evergreen perennial valued for its succulent like foliage and long lasting spikes of bright yellow or orange star...

From$19.50
Agave tequilana plants with metallic-blue coloured foliage.
Agave tequilana

Agave tequilana (Tequila Agave) is a bold and dramatic succulent best known as the source of tequila production in Mexico. It features striking...

From$29.95
Aloe saponaria plants.
Aloe saponaria (Zebra Aloe)

Aloe saponaria (Soap Aloe) is a hardy evergreen succulent valued for its attractive rosettes of fleshy, spotted leaves and colourful flower spikes...

From$33.05
Agave americana blue succulent in a rock garden.
Agave americana

Agave americana (Century Plant) is an iconic succulent renowned for its dramatic rosettes of large, grey green leaves with bold spines along the...

OUT OF STOCK
Beschorneria 'Reality' plants with variegated foliage for sale at The Plant Company.
Beschorneria 'Reality'

Beschorneria 'Reality' is a bold evergreen admired for its strong rosette form and tall flower spikes that emerge in warm seasons. With broad sword...

OUT OF STOCK
Agave attenuata Boutin Blue plants with large, blue foliage.
Agave attenuata 'Boutin Blue' (Blue Fox Tail)

Agave attenuata 'Boutin Blue' is a stunning succulent prized for its soft, spineless leaves in an attractive blue grey shade. Forming elegant...

OUT OF STOCK
Agave decipiens plant with large green leaves.
Agave decipiens (Sisal Agave)

Agave decipiens is a striking architectural succulent valued for its upright growth habit and dense rosettes of narrow green leaves. Unlike many...

OUT OF STOCK
Agave havardiana plant with large, blue leaves.
Agave havardiana (Harvard Agave)

Agave havardiana is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its compact rosettes of thick blue grey leaves and bold architectural form. The rigid...

OUT OF STOCK
Agave attenuata plants with lush, succulent foliage.
Agave attenuata (Foxtail Agave)

Agave attenuata (Foxtail Agave) is a highly ornamental succulent known for its smooth, spineless leaves and graceful rosettes. Unlike many agaves, it...

OUT OF STOCK
Agave chrysantha plant growing in the desert.
Agave chrysantha (American Century Plant)

Agave chrysantha is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its bold rosettes of rigid, blue green to grey green leaves and strong architectural...

OUT OF STOCK
Agave Kissho Kan plant with colourful leaves.
Agave 'Kissho Kan' (Butterfly Agave)

Agave 'Kissho Kan' is a compact evergreen succulent prized for its beautifully variegated foliage and neat architectural form. It forms symmetrical...

OUT OF STOCK
agave-victoriae-reginae-
Agave victoriae-reginae

Agave victoriae-reginae is one of the most sought after ornamental agaves, prized for its perfectly symmetrical rosette of dark green leaves marked...

OUT OF STOCK
Agave parrasana plant with large and fleshy, blue leaves.
Agave parrasana (Cabbage Head Agave)

Agave parrasana is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its compact rosette of broad blue grey leaves and bold architectural form. The thick...

OUT OF STOCK
Agave chiapensis plant with fresh-green foliage.
Agave chiapensis

Agave chiapensis (Mexican Agave) is a rare and attractive agave species native to southern Mexico, prized for its broad, glossy green leaves and...

OUT OF STOCK
Beschorneria 'Flamingo Glow' plant with pink flowers and foliage variegated green and yellow.
Beschorneria 'Flamingo Glow'

Beschorneria 'Flamingo Glow' is an architectural evergreen prized for its variegated sword like leaves washed with soft gold and green tones. In...

OUT OF STOCK
Beschorneria yuccoides flax-like plant with blue-green leaves and large pink flowers.
Beschorneria yuccoides

Beschorneria yuccoides (Mexican Lily) is an architectural evergreen valued for its sculptural rosettes of sword like foliage and tall coral toned...

OUT OF STOCK
Agave parryi plant with grey foliage.
Agave parryi (Artichoke Agave)

Agave parryi is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its compact rosettes of broad blue grey leaves and bold architectural form. The thick...

OUT OF STOCK
Agave guadalajarana plant with large leaves.
Agave guadalajarana (Maguey Chato Agave)

Agave guadalajarana is a compact and highly ornamental succulent admired for its symmetrical rosette of broad blue green leaves. The attractive...

OUT OF STOCK
Aeonium 'Sunburst' plant with yellow and green leaves.
Aeonium 'Sunburst'

Aeonium 'Sunburst' is a spectacular variegated succulent admired for its large rosettes of green leaves with creamy yellow margins that often develop...

OUT OF STOCK
Agave celsii plant with blue and purple foliage.
Agave celsii

Agave celsii is a striking succulent valued for its rosettes of broad, fleshy green leaves with smooth edges and a bold architectural form. Unlike...

OUT OF STOCK
Agave parryi Truncata plant with large, grey-blue leaves.
Agave parryi 'Truncata'

Agave parryi 'Truncata' is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its compact, symmetrical rosettes of broad blue grey leaves. The thick foliage...

OUT OF STOCK
Beschorneria yuccoides 'Variegata' plant with dark green and cream variegated leaves.
Beschorneria yuccoides 'Variegata'

Beschorneria yuccoides 'Variegata' is an architectural evergreen prized for its striking rosettes of green leaves edged with creamy gold variegation...

OUT OF STOCK
Agave ovatifolia Frosty Blue plant with colourful, blue leaves.
Agave ovatifolia 'Frosty Blue'

Agave ovatifolia 'Frosty Blue' is a striking evergreen succulent prized for its broad, powdery blue foliage and bold architectural form. The thick...

OUT OF STOCK
Agave ovatifolia plant with large, blue leaves.
Agave ovatifolia (Whales Tongue Agave)

Agave ovatifolia is a striking evergreen succulent prized for its broad, blue grey foliage and bold architectural form. The thick leaves form a...

OUT OF STOCK
Agave 'Ray Of Light' plants with green and yellow variegated foliage.
Agave 'Ray of Light'

Agave 'Ray of Light' is an excellent selection of the commonly known, Fox Tail Agave. This plant features rosettes of broad, pale green leaves with a...

OUT OF STOCK
agave-geminiflora-
Agave geminiflora

Agave geminiflora (Twin Flower Agave) is a highly ornamental succulent admired for its dense rosette of narrow dark green leaves adorned with...

OUT OF STOCK
Beschorneria tubiflora plant with pink flowers.
Beschorneria tubiflora

Beschorneria tubiflora is a dramatic evergreen valued for its slender arching leaves and tall tubular red flowers that rise above the rosette in...

OUT OF STOCK
agave-desmettiana-variegata-4
Agave desmettiana 'Variegata'

Agave desmettiana 'Variegata' is a striking evergreen succulent valued for its elegant variegated foliage and bold architectural form. It forms...

OUT OF STOCK
Bulbine frutescens

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Agave, Aloe, and Beschorneria, or related Categories - Flaxes, Perennials, and Succulents.

Search agave americana

Understanding Agave americana

The remarkable Agave americana, often known as the century plant, is famed for its bold structure and resilience. Native to Mexico, this species is highly sought after for its ability to thrive in full sun and poor soils, making it perfect for coastal gardens and dry spots in the landscape. All Agave americana varieties are slow-growing perennials with sharp, pointed leaves arranged in graceful rosettes, often reaching over a metre in height and diameter.

Popular Agave americana varieties

One of the most widely grown forms is Agave americana variegata, known for its broad blue-green leaves edged with bold, yellow stripes. Its striking variegation makes it a true eye-catcher in succulent borders and pots, providing year-round interest.

Another attractive cultivar is Agave americana var Franzosinii. This grand variety showcases wide, powdery-blue leaves with softer spines, making it one of the largest and most sculptural agaves you can grow in New Zealand. Its graceful, arching foliage adds instant drama to modern and Mediterranean-inspired gardens.

For gardeners who love unusual foliage, Agave americana Mediopicta Aurea (Century Agave) features broad, green leaves with a rich golden-yellow stripe running through the centre. Its upright, symmetrical growth pattern makes it a stylish focal point in large pots or feature garden beds.

There's also Agave americana 'Mediopicta Alba', which displays cool blue leaves with a striking creamy-white central stripe. This variety is especially popular for creating contrasts in succulent plantings or providing a bright accent among darker foliage.

Growing and caring for Agave americana varieties

All Agave americana varieties thrive in free-draining soils, full sun, and require minimal watering once established. They're highly resistant to coastal winds and salt spray, making them ideal for New Zealand’s exposed gardens. When planting these varieties, give them plenty of space to show off their dramatic form and avoid areas with heavy, clay soils. Protection from extreme frosts in colder regions is recommended, especially for young plants.

Add agave beauty to your landscape

With so many appealing Agave americana varieties to choose from, there’s an option to suit every garden style and size. Whether you opt for classic blue-green forms or bold variegated cultivars, these eye-catching succulents offer trouble-free beauty for years to come. Ready to explore even more stunning agaves? Discover Agave americana variegata, Agave americana var Franzosinii, Agave americana Mediopicta Aurea (Century Agave), or Agave americana 'Mediopicta Alba' to find your new landscape favourite.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Illustration of plant leaves.
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