Agave Lophantha 'Splendida'

Agave lophantha, also known as the Thornquist century plant, grows very slowly to about 2 feet in diameter and up to 2 to 3 feet tall.

This plant can be used in partially shaded areas as a focal point in a desert garden or as a barrier. The saw-like flat leaves grow from a dense rosette base and spiral outwards. The foliage varies in color depending on the cultivar. Agave lophantha 'quadricolor' has dark green leaves with yellow edges and a pale green strip down the middle; the leaves are also accented with dark red teeth lining the sides.

It takes several years for this plant to bloom, and it has greenish-yellow flowers on a stalk that can reach 12 feet tall. As with most Agaves, each plant only flowers once and dies soon afterward. However, numerous "pups" are produced around the base, which will continue to grow.

Since Agave lophantha is a desert plant, it has adapted to scorching weather and can tolerate temperatures as low as 11°F. These plants are susceptible to root rot due to overwatering, so water carefully—too much moisture will kill them. Only water when the soil completely dries out; they require well-draining soil and prefer a sandy cactus soil mix.