Agave

Thick, firm, succulent leaves are pointed at the tip and can have spiny margins or curling, thread-like filaments. Most are greyish-green, sometimes edged with creamy white or yellow.

Agaves need very free-draining, gritty soil, in full sun. In containers, use peat-free cactus compost or other good quality peat-free compost with added grit for drainage.

Agaves dislike overly fertile soil, especially if permanently moist. They will not grow in shade.

Commercially, agaves have long been cultivated for their fibres (sisal) and to make alcoholic drinks, including tequila.