Agave angustifolia

Synonyms

Agave sobolifera var. serrulata
Agave panamana
Agave angustifolia var. rubescens
Agave elongata

Cactus Succulent

A large, perennial succulent, usually stemless but sometimes with a short stem to 50cm, forming a rosette up to 2m across of stiff, linear to lance-shaped, green or grey-green leaves, with fine teeth along the edges and spines at the tips. Mature plants produce a tall, branching spike of small yellow-green flowers; the main rosette will die off after flowering, but plants often produce offsets

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–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
Mexico to C America

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. Can be moved onto the patio during the summer months, but needs to overwinter in a greenhouse or conservatory. See hardy cacti and succulent cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed, or by removing offsets in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Sub-tropical
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects

Diseases

Generally disease-free