Agave salmiana
A large evergreen succulent, with a short thick stem and a rosette of thick, fleshy, incurved grey-green leaves that can be up to 2m long. Leaves have sharp, dark brown teeth along the edges, and are tipped with spines to 10cm long. Slow growing, but can reach up to 4m across at maturity. Mature plants may produce a tall spike with branching clusters of small yellow flowers, after which the central rosette dies off
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Green Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats): harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- 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
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in free draining cactus compost, water freely when in growth, but keep almost dry over winter. In frost-free areas, may be planted out with winter protection; elsewhere grow in containers and overwinter in a greenhouse or conservatory. Needs plenty of space. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for more advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by removing offsets in spring or autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.