Agave deserti
desert agave
A perennial succulent with a rosette of thick, sharp-tipped, greyish-green leaves 15-40cm long. Offsets are produced freely. In summer mature plants may produce tall (2m) spikes of silvery yellow flowers. This species is from very arid, desert environments and will tolerate low temperatures provided it is kept absolutely dry
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Agave can be perennial or monocarpic succulents, forming rosettes of usually rigid, fleshy, spiny-edged leaves, with funnel-shaped flowers in racemes or panicles often much taller than the rosettes
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- USA (California, Arizona), N. Mexico
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass in cactus compost, water sparingly when in growth, but keep dry over winter. Apply a dilute, liquid fertiliser 3 or 4 times during the growing season. Outdoors plants can be grown in a raised desert bed but must be given complete protection from winter wet. See hardy cacti and succulent cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by removing offsets in spring or autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Gravel garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
- Bedding
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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