Havard's Century Plant

Plant Type: Succulent / Agave
Plant Height: 3–4 feet
Spread: 4–6 feet
Flower Color: Yellow
Sun Exposure: Full sun, Partial Shade

Havard’s Century Plant: Rugged, Cold-Hardy Agave Built for Arizona Landscapes
Havard’s Century Plant (Agave havardiana) is a tough, blue-gray agave that thrives in both extreme heat and cold, making it one of the hardiest large agaves available. Its thick, beautifully symmetrical rosette and silver-blue leaves bring strength and texture to any Arizona landscape. Perfect for homeowners looking for a bold desert accent that can handle the elements, Havard’s Century Plant delivers timeless beauty with almost no maintenance required.

Key Features of Havard’s Century Plant

• Cold-Hardy and Durable: Handles temperatures down to 10–15°F, making it one of the most cold-tolerant agaves available.
• Silver-Blue Foliage: Thick, fleshy leaves with sharp tips and powdery blue tones create a striking architectural presence.
• Symmetrical Form: Naturally forms a tidy rosette with excellent structure, providing balance and contrast in landscapes.
• Low Maintenance: Thrives with little care or water once established.
• Long-Lived: This slow-growing species provides decades of bold texture and desert character.

Growing and Care Tips
Soil: Prefers well-draining soil such as sandy loam or cactus mix. Avoid heavy or compacted soils that retain excess water.
Water: Deeply water after planting and continue 2–3 times per week for the first month. Once established, water every 3–4 weeks during hot months.
Fertilizer: Rarely needed. Apply a diluted cactus fertilizer in early spring if desired to promote slow, steady growth.
Temperature: Extremely hardy, tolerating cold snaps better than most large agaves. Mature plants withstand occasional frost with no damage.
Maintenance: Remove lower, aging leaves as needed. Avoid overhead watering or pooling water at the base.

Landscaping Uses

• Feature Plant: A bold centerpiece for large desert gardens or open landscape areas.
• Cold-Hardy Desert Design: Perfect for higher elevation or northern Arizona landscapes with seasonal frost.
• Modern and Natural Styles: Pairs beautifully with boulders, cacti, and ornamental grasses for structured contrast.
• Low-Water Landscapes: Ideal for xeriscapes and drought-tolerant designs requiring minimal irrigation.

Summary
Havard’s Century Plant (Agave havardiana) is a resilient, slow-growing agave prized for its silver-blue leaves, sculptural symmetry, and exceptional toughness. Built for Arizona’s harshest conditions—heat, sun, or cold—it delivers year-round impact with virtually no maintenance. This variety is perfect for homeowners and designers seeking enduring beauty and low-water reliability in any desert landscape.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow):
Havard’s Century Plant Planting Guide:
Location: Full sun to partial shade (at least 6 hours of sunlight daily)
Soil: Well-draining soil such as sandy loam or cactus mix
Spacing: 4–6 feet apart to allow mature growth
Planting Depth: Keep root ball level with surrounding soil
Support: No staking required; ensure solid soil contact and stability

Watering Guide:
Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball. Continue watering every 3–4 days for the first month, providing deep soakings to help roots establish.

When is the Plant Established? Havard’s Century Plant is typically established after 4–6 months, when new growth appears and the plant is firmly rooted.

Watering Once Established: Water deeply every 3–4 weeks during summer. In cooler months, water only when the soil is fully dry to prevent rot.

Drip Irrigation Setup: Place emitters 10–12 inches away from the base of the plant, circling the root zone. Use low-flow emitters (0.5–1 gallon per hour) and adjust frequency depending on seasonal temperatures—more frequent in summer, less in winter.

General Watering Tips: Allow the top few inches of soil to dry completely before watering again. Avoid overhead watering and ensure no standing water collects near the crown. A thin layer of decorative gravel or decomposed granite around the base enhances drainage and highlights the plant’s striking color and form.