Gypsum Century Plant

The gypsum century plant is a compact, architectural agave grown for a solitary rosette of gray leaves with pronounced, curling edges. Its slow-changing sculptural form suits a rock garden, sheltered succulent bed, or container where the foliage can be appreciated up close. ## Form and size The rosette typically reaches 2–3 feet tall and about as wide. New leaves emerge pale gray-green and partly tubular before opening into wavy, grayer blades edged with small, soft teeth. A mature plant may produce a few offsets. Occasional flowering raises orange-yellow blooms on a 6–8-foot stalk. ## Site and growing conditions [Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden](https://fairchild.gardenexplorer.org/taxon-17339.aspx) recommends partial shade or morning sun and well-drained soil; the species is associated with gypsum-rich and calcareous hillsides in Mexico. The botanical name is accepted by [Kew’s Plants of the World Online](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn%3Alsid%3Aipni.org%3Anames%3A899103-1). In colder climates, a container makes it easier to provide a bright, protected winter location. ## Maintenance Use a free-draining growing mix and allow excess water to escape. Keep the crown and roots from sitting in wet soil. Leave room for the mature rosette and handle the toothed leaf margins carefully during planting or container care.