Nassau County Extension Service
By Elizabeth Wilkes
Master Gardener
July 3, 2018 10:00 a.m.
Marva and James both grew up in Callahan, FL and enjoyed living there. They have been married 56 years and moved into this lovely home, also in Callahan, over 50 years ago. A Cedar tree planted itself there, but they have planted everything else in their yard.
This Century plant, (Agave americana ‘Marginata’), is monocarpic, meaning it will bloom once in its lifetime. The name “century plant” comes from the fact that the slow-growing plant takes years – but not 100 – to flower. The Century plant is a hardy survivor, tolerating heat, drought, and salty seaside conditions. It grows best in full sun but can adapt to shade. After 10 years or more (though not a century), a lofty flower spike is produced, sometimes reaching a height of 20 feet or more, with terminal panicles of pale yellow to white blooms. The plant dies after blooming. The Mitchells’ Century plant has not bloomed in at least 30 years. The upward-facing yellow flowers grow in clusters at the end of the horizontal branches near the top of the tall stalk that may be even 25 feet tall. James and Marva are enjoying its beauty! This plant has many baby plants around the bottom and there are also other smaller century plants on their property.
Marva and James also enjoy many other lovely plants that they have planted in their yard, including a large Japanese plum, a grape vine, lemons, oranges, pears, pecan and more. Also growing are many vegetables such as squash, okra, peas, corn and greens such as mustards and collards. They also enjoy nine hens that lay eggs on a regular basis.
What a special couple with so many beautiful plants that they enjoy together!
“Spotlight on Nassau Gardens,” is a monthly recognition program of the UF/IFAS Nassau County Extension Service, featuring the beautiful gardens and plants grown by Nassau County residents. To be considered, send a digital photo with a description of your “Spotlight,” along with your name, address, and phone number to [email protected]. For more information, call the Extension office at 904-530-6353.