Agave geminiflora

RHS Plant Profile
paired-flowered agave
Cactus Succulent Conservatory Greenhouse

A perennial succulent forming a dense rosette of very narrow linear leaves with fine, thread-like filaments along the edges. In late summer mature plants produce a tall spike of paired, dark red and yellow flowers. Hardy to -5°C given a sunny position and extremely sharp drainage

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
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
Plant Range
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 protection from winter wet. See hardy cacti and succulent cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed or removal of offsets

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Gravel garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Sub-tropical
  • Bedding
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects

Diseases

Generally disease-free