The above plants make spetacular accents for most any garden. Some varities are very tolerant of cold such is the case with the Parry Agave, which withstands -20 F, and as much as 40 inches of rainfall. If you live in a high rain fall area you can still grow many of these plants successfully. It is when the base of the plant sits in water that they become diseased. As to excessive cold they can be protected with frost cloth or similar materials.
Agaves are like an annual flower.
When they bloom, which can be anywhere from 5 to 20 years, they die. However, they usually leave several offsets that can be replanted. Some of the smaller varities do not die. Most all Yucca and Cactus plants live on and on after flowering. Succulents and Cactus plants for the most part, are slow growing.