Agave toumeyana

RHS Plant Profile
Toumey's agave
Award of Garden Merit
Cactus Succulent Conservatory Greenhouse

A compact, succulent, evergreen perennial forming a rosette of stiff, grey-green leaves to 30cm across. The leaves are sharply tapered and curve inwards, with silvery markings and thread-like white filaments at the margins. Mature plants may produce tall spikes of yellow flowers in summer. Tolerant of low temperatures if given very sharp drainage

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
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
Plant Range
USA (Arizona)

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in cactus compost, water freely when in growth, but keep almost dry over winter. Apply a dilute, liquid fertiliser 3 or 4 times during the growing season. Grow in full sun or light shade. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by removing offsets

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Gravel garden
  • Houseplants
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects

Diseases

Generally disease-free