While we love our giant century plants for their garden value, we also treasure their smaller forms for container culture. Below are a few of our favorites, for those who may not have any garden space. As a general rule, most variegated forms are less winter hardy than their non-variegated counterparts, so unless you live in frost free regions, these are confined to container specimens.
Agave victoriae-reginae, or the Queen Victoria century plant, is among the most prized species for container culture. While the typical species is dark green with white markings, some rather amazing variegated forms have been discovered. These are quite slow-growing, so they make exceptional, long lasting container plants. Agave victoriae-reginae ‘Sun King’ is the top yellow-centered foliage forms.
Agave victoriae-reginae ‘Kizan’ has exceptionally chubby leaves with a creamy border.
Agave victoriae-reginae ‘Hyouzan’ is an exceptional form with pure white leaf edges. It is often listed as White Rhino century plant. We currently have this in production and will have available in 2027.
Agave parryi is another small-growing agave that’s prized for it’s many forms. The clone, Agave ‘Excelsior’ has been around for many decades.
Agave parryi ssp. truncata ‘Bed of Nails’ takes the word dwarf to a whole new level. Because it offsets like crazy, it’s also easy to share.
Agave albopilosa was only discovered in 2007, and is painfully slow, which means it will be happy for a long time in a small container. The cotton tips, which form at the end of each leaf are great conversational pieces.
Agave parviflora is a small growing species, and the variegated forms like Agave parviflora ‘Pin-up Girl’ are even slower.
Initially confused in commerce with Agave parryi, Agave applanata makes a lovely small grower, that’s slow to offset. One of the most elegant forms is Agave applanata ‘Butter Cream’.
Agave isthmensis is yet another fabulous species for container culture. The small rosettes offset by producing new rosettes that are tightly clustered against the original. These will last decades without overgrowing a container. Below is Agave isthmensis ‘El Chicon’.
The most unusal form of Agave isthmensis, is the spineless, Agave ‘Ippongi’. During the last two years, I’ve seen this listed on plant auction sites for up to $12,000 for a single plant, although the price is finally dropping out of the stratosphere. We will have this available through Plant Delights Nursery in 2026.
There a number of recent hybrids, that continue to add to the choices. Agave x romanii ‘Gipsy Queen’ is one that we adore.
Another recent introduction from Holland, is the hybrid, Agave ‘Good Morning’ This nice offsetter has really impressed us with its performance.
This sampling is just a few of the amazing specimens that comprise the century plant genus, and perhaps may have a place on your bright windowsill or summer patio. While they will last for years in a small container, we recommend repotting them with fresh soil every three years.