Agave salmiana

Synonyms

Agave cochlearis

Cactus Succulent Conservatory Greenhouse

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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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 10–20 years
Max Spread: 2.5-4 metres
Max Height: 2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand

Moisture: Well–drained
pH: Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: South–facing
Exposure: Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H2
Drought Resistance: Yes

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical 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