Agave attenuata
foxtail agave
A succulent perennial producing an evergreen rosette of silvery, pale green leaves on top of a thick stem. An arching stem of yellow flowers can emerge from the rosette in summer, reaching to 1.5m in height
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Grey Silver Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Grey Silver Green | ||
| Autumn | Grey Silver Green | |||
| Winter | Grey Silver Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
- Mexico
How to grow
Cultivation
Frost tender, so in most locations, this perennial can only be grown outdoors in summer. Use a free-draining compost. Grow under glass in cactus compost in full light. Water less in autumn and keep dry in winter. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for more advice
Propagation
Propagate by offsets
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Sub-tropical
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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