Agaves have a diversity of forms but all are rosette forming succulents (sometimes referred to as among the "woody lilies" or plants allied to the lily family that are large woody and succulents like yuccas, desert spoons, etc.). Some stay as small as less than 5 inches tall and wide (like container grown specimens of Agave pumila), while others can grow many meters tall-getting as tall as some peoples' homes.
Agaves are monocarpic-which means upon blooming they die. It was once thought that this took a century to accomplish (thus agaves sometimes being referred to as "century plant"). Now we know that life-span varies with the species and are often less than 10 years. Most sucker out with "pups" which can be removed to be grown independantly from the mother agave. They are all very drought tolerant, and many can take a lot of cold. In fact, Agaves are mostly associated with more of the United State's colder desert, gralands, oak woodlands, pine-Juniper woodlands and other highlands. They are very drought tolerant plants, which provide a great accent to the landscape.
Agaves typically like full sun though many can be grown in a myriad of sun exposures. They tend to like rocky conditions but will tolerate almost any condition, as long as watering is moderated. Some agaves, particularly the very common Agave americana, can get infested with the agave weevil. This grub worm burrows into the heart of the agave, introduces a fungus, and before you know it, your agave looks like the wicked witch of the west who had water poured on her. In other words: meltdown, and with not so great an odor! However most agaves are not so susceptible to this grub. Planting the more interesting species of Agave will help you avoid such meltdowns. Agaves can like forever in container situations as well, and look great in them. Just keep in mind that some of them want to get large.
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