A statuesque, upright, urn-shaped plant, variegated smooth agave or dwarf century plant (Agave desmettiana 'Variegata') displays succulent green leaves edged in bright yellow, making the plant look backlit by golden sunlight no matter where it is sited. Unlike most agaves, the leaf edges are smooth, although care must still be taken near this plant, because the leaf tips have sharp, reddish-brown spines.

Every 10 to 15 years Agave desmettiana produces yellow flowers on tall spikes growing to 8 feet in height. As the stalk matures and blooms, it turns bright red. Agaves are monocarpic, which means that at the end of the bloom cycle the agave dies — but not before leaving many new offspring.