Agave chrysantha

Golden Flowered Century Plant, Golden Flowered Agave

Agave chrysantha, also referred to as the Golden Flowered Century Plant, is a captivating succulent native to the Southwestern United States and northern Mexico. This resilient plant boasts a rosette of spiky, sword-shaped leaves with serrated edges.

Agave chrysantha is superbly adapted to arid desert environments, thriving in rocky and sandy soils. Its ability to endure harsh drought conditions due to its water-storing leaves makes it a noteworthy arid plant.

Agave chrysantha is out of stock

Want to be notified when this product is back in stock?

1 other customer is also waiting for this plant.

Use this e-mail address to send me availability alerts and updates.

Origin: Arizona, USA

Genus: Agave

Species / Cultivar: chrysantha

Common Name: Golden Flowered Century Plant, Golden Flowered Agave

Plant Biography

Agave chrysantha, also known as the Golden Flowered Century Plant, holds a significant botanical history. Native to the the US state of Arizona, it boasts spiky, sword-shaped leaves with serrated edges and striking golden-yellow flowers on tall stalks. Its name, “chrysantha,” originates from the Greek words “chrysos” (golden) and “anthos” (flower), highlighting its stunning golden-yellow blossoms that emerge on a tall flowering stalk.

Indigenous communities, like the Tohono O’odham and Pima tribes, have used this plant for centuries, utilising its leaves for fibre and its sap for food and beverages. In modern times, it has found a place in arid gardens and desert landscaping due to its drought-resistant qualities.

Soil: Well drained

Soil that does not show much signs of moisture, either visibly or when handled.

Growth Rate: Slow

This plant is particularly slow to grow, even during growing season.

Water Requirement: Low

Will grow in a drier position and is unlikely to need regular watering once established.

Maintenance: A little

Easy to look after but may occasionally require some attention in order to thrive.

Situation: Full Sun

Wants direct, unfiltered sunlight most of the day, such as a south facing position.

Eventual Height: 0.6-1.2m

The plant's ultimate height in typical growing conditions.

Eventual Spread: 0.6-1.2m

The plant's ultimate spread in typical growing conditions.

Hardiness: Hardy

Survives unprotected in an average winter. May need protection in extreme long frosts.

Habit: Evergreen

Always in leaf throughout the year. It won't lose all its leaves at any one time.

Care & Size Guidance

Agave chrysantha, the Golden Flowered Century Plant, requires minimal care. It thrives in full sun with well-draining soil, whether in a container or the ground. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between watering, especially during winter. Prune dead leaves, watch for common pests, and provide frost protection in colder climates. Keep in mind its natural adaptation to arid conditions, avoiding overwatering and rich soil. This hardy plant’s low-maintenance needs make it an excellent choice for gardens with minimal upkeep.

Although the leaves form a compact rosette, reaching a maximum of approximately 1.2 metres in width and height, the flower stalk can grow to heights of up to 7 metres so be sure to allow plenty of room for this.

How To Overwinter Your Arid Plants in the U.K.

Here at The Palm Centre, we are huge fans of arid plants. We were instrumental in introducing Agave montana to European markets and we stock a wide range of Yucca, Dasylirion, cacti, and other interesting and unusual succulent plants. Many of these can tolerate freezing conditions in their native habitat but growing them in United Kingdom, while possible, can take a bit of extra care and planning.

We’ve written a short guide outlining the basic considerations when planning, planting, and caring for your arid plants in a damp, temperate climate. Keep reading to find out our top tips…

Read article

Top Five Hardy Palms for the UK

If you’ve just discovered the wonderful world of hardy exotic gardening then you might be wondering what palm trees you can grow in the UK climate. Here’s our list of the top five that we recommend.

Read article