Actual size and flowering may vary slightly based on season.
Thorncrest Century Plant
Thorncrest Century Plant is a green agave from south Texas and northeastern Mexico, with flat, strap-shaped leaves edged in saw-like teeth. It pups freely and slowly builds a clump of rosettes, often about 2 to 3 feet tall. It grows well with some shade, so it fits spots out of the western sun or under light trees. It takes cold down to about 10°F and needs very little water once rooted.
Best for: partly shaded beds and spots out of the western summer sun, focal points in desert gardens, and groups planted as a barrier.
It grows in part shade and wants protection from the intense western summer sun in Phoenix. A bed shaded from afternoon sun or under light trees suits it.
Its stiff, bright green rosettes make a strong accent in a desert garden. Over time the pups build a clump of rosettes around the first plant.
Planted in a group, the saw-toothed leaves and dagger-like tips make it a barrier plant. Set it well away from paths.
Hot western summer sun is hard on it here. Soil that stays wet causes root rot. The tips are rigid and very sharp, so keep it away from walks, play areas and pools.
- Tight group3 ft apart
- Looser group4 ft apart
Plant into dry soil and wait about 1 to 2 weeks before the first watering, or up to a month in cool weather. Then water about every other week while nights stay above 60°F. Light shade cloth for the first few weeks helps it settle in.
Water sparingly and let the soil dry between waterings. Give it a little more in summer and much less in winter. Too much water can rot the roots.
It is hardy to about 10°F and has no cold issues in Phoenix. Keep the soil dry in winter, since cold, wet soil is when rot sets in.
Many plants make numerous pups and form a clump. Cut them off with a clean knife, let the cut dry for several days, then plant them.
Most agaves need no fertilizer. If you feed, use a light balanced fertilizer in spring or early summer, never on a new transplant and never in fall or winter. No pruning is needed.
Drainage test first. Dig the hole and fill it with water. If water is still sitting in the hole a day later, you likely hit caliche, clay or hard soil, so fix the drainage before planting. If it drains very fast, the soil is sandy. Standing water around roots is a common reason new plants fail.
Weed cloth. Cut it away from the planting hole and where the roots will spread. Remove any plastic sheeting completely, since it keeps water and air out of the soil.
Rock or decomposed granite with no soil underneath. Bring in soil close in texture to your native soil, mix it with the soil below, and build up enough depth for roots before planting.
If you can break through. Use a breaker bar, pick, or jackhammer. Dig through the caliche and break out the solid chunks. Backfill with the soil you dug out, with no compost or manure in the hole. Confirm drainage before planting.
If you cannot break through. Dig narrow holes through the hard layer beside the root ball, not under it, and refill them with the same soil, not gravel. If it still will not drain, plant on a low mound of the same soil.
Root ball. Check the outside edges for any roots circling around. Loosen or cut those so they grow outward. Do not break up the center of the root ball.
Depth. The top of the root ball should sit at or just slightly above the surrounding soil level. Planting too deep can lead to rot and kill the plant.
Drip emitters. At planting, put the emitters on the root ball, on different sides of the plant. After about 2 months, move them to the outer edge of the root ball. Over the first year, add emitters farther out toward the edge of the branches as roots grow. Once a plant is rooted, never water only at the trunk.
Is Thorncrest Century Plant the same as Agave lophantha?
Yes. It was long sold as Agave lophantha, and it is now listed under the name Agave univittata. Both names refer to the same thorncrest agave.
Can Thorncrest Century Plant grow in shade?
Yes. It grows in part shade and does better with some shade in Phoenix summers. Keep it out of the intense western afternoon sun.
How big does it get?
It often grows about 2 to 3 feet tall, and size varies a lot. Some plants reach 5 feet tall and as wide. It grows slowly and clumps with age.
How cold can it take?
It is cold hardy to about 10°F, so cold is not an issue for it in Phoenix and it needs no frost cover.
How often should I water it?
Once rooted it needs little or no water, especially in winter or in shade. Water only when the soil has dried out completely.
Does it make pups?
Yes, it makes many pups around the base and forms a clump. Cut them free with a sharp, clean knife, let the cut dry for several days, then plant them.
Does Thorncrest Century Plant bloom?
Yes, but only once. After several years it sends up a stalk about 12 feet tall with greenish-yellow flowers, in late spring or early summer. That rosette then dies, and its pups carry on.
Are the leaves sharp?
Yes. The edges have saw-like teeth and each leaf ends in a rigid, dagger-like spine. Some people snip off the tips for safety. Keep it away from walks and pools.
Is it poisonous to pets?
Agave sap can irritate a pet's mouth and skin if chewed and upset the stomach. The sharp tips can also poke. Keep pets from chewing on it.
Why is my agave rotting?
Root rot comes from soil that stays wet. Water only when the soil is dry, and plant it where water drains away fast.
Thorncrest Century Plant for sale in Arizona, delivered to you
Thorncrest Century Plant, now listed as Agave univittata and long sold as Agave lophantha, is a green, clumping agave that handles shade and cold. Below is what to expect from it in the Valley, from sun, water and cold to size, pups and blooming.
Sourced from trusted Arizona growers and delivered directly to your door, job site, or property. We deliver across the Valley and to nearby towns, and quote delivery anywhere else in Arizona.
Agave lophantha or Agave univittata?
Thorncrest Century Plant was long sold as Agave lophantha. It is now listed as Agave univittata, with lophantha as an older name. The plant is the same.
Does Thorncrest Century Plant grow in shade in Phoenix?
Yes. It grows in part shade and needs some protection from the intense western summer sun here. A bed shaded from afternoon sun or under light trees works well.
How big does Thorncrest Century Plant get?
It often stays about 2 to 3 feet tall, but size varies a lot and some plants reach 5 feet tall and wide. It grows slowly and pups into a clump.
How cold hardy is Thorncrest Century Plant?
It is cold hardy to about 10°F. Cold is not an issue for it in Phoenix.
How much water does Thorncrest Century Plant need?
Once rooted it needs little or no water, especially in winter or in shade. Water only when the soil is completely dry. Wet soil leads to root rot.
When does Thorncrest Century Plant bloom?
After several years it sends up a stalk about 12 feet tall with greenish-yellow flowers, in late spring or early summer. That rosette then dies, and the pups keep the clump going.
We deliver across the Valley, from Phoenix, Scottsdale and Mesa out to San Tan Valley, Maricopa and Casa Grande, and up to Prescott, Sedona, Payson and Globe. See delivery areas and rates.