Agave atrovirens var. atrovirens
dark green agave
A large, robust agave species native to the high-altitude regions of central and southern Mexico. This agave is notable for its size, with broad, fleshy leaves that form a striking rosette. It produces a tall flowering stalk that can grow over 6 meters (20 feet) in height in the wild. The flowers are typically yellow-green and appear after several years of growth. The plant is monocarpic, meaning it flowers once and then dies, though it often produces offsets before this happens.
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green Yellow | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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 under glass in a standard cactus and succulent compost, in bright, filtered light. When in active growth water moderately and feed sparingly, every three or four weeks with a balanced liquid feed. Over-fertilizing can encourage excessive, weak growth. In winter, reduce watering and keep almost dry as the plant goes into dormancy. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further information
Propagation
Propagate by offsets taken in spring or summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Gravel garden
- Houseplants
- Sub-tropical
- Banks and slopes
- 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.