Like Aloes, there are hundreds of Agave species. In the 17th century, they were brought to Europe from the Americas. Since then, they have been popular in Mediterranean gardens. Native American indians cultivated them for fibers, food and drinks for centuries before that. Agaves are succulent rosettes on short trunks. Most times they have a sharp spine at the end of their leaves, so should not be place on walking paths. After about 8 years, each rosette blooms. Because the rosette uses all of its energy to produce a long giant bloom, it generally dries up after blooming. Some species produce a large quantity of new plants on the flower stem (bulbils). These can be detached and planted. Can take full sun. Let them dry out fairly well between waterings. Plant in any soil, as long as it is well draining. There are a number of different Agave species, and the culture & care can be somewhat different between them. Some varieties can withstand sub-freezing temperatures while other will not. All are in the Succulent family, have fibrous, somewhat shallow root systems, prefer some shade or filtered light (especially if small / young) during the day, but some older plants can even take full sun all day long. They like a little extra water to keep vigorous growth going, but can withstand some periods of drought. In the Summer, a mature plant can use up to 2-4 gallons of water a week, but may only need 1 gallon per week in the Winter. All prefer well-drained soil, & a good soil mix might consist of 1 part each of potting soil, native soil, & pumice, and they do well as landscape or container plants. You can fertilize Agave lightly monthly with a well-balanced plant food, & possibly give the plant a little extra / second dose in the Spring & again in the Fall. The only pests that seem to bother Agave are Snout Weevils & Mites, both of which can be easily controlled ( with recommended insecticides & miticides) in signs are seen of these pests. Crown Rot disease (Phytophthora) can occur if given too much water or if in an area of high rail totals, & again a good fungicide can help control that. If you have rabbits in your area, they, too, can occasionally try to nibble on Agaves. Agave plants can take full sun. Let them dry out fairly well betweenwaterings. Plant in any soil, as long as it is well draining.

Agave attenuata require light shade to sun. They originated in the Mountains of central Mexico. They grow in clumps to 5 feet tall and 5 feet diameter. Water infrequently. Propagate by Suckers (called pups), seeds, bulbils from the inflorescence. Agave attenuata is a tropical agave and is frost sensitive. For more information, please click the photograph. The plants are very healthy but have been hit by hale so they have some pock marks.

Agave desmetiana prefers temperatures above 50 degrees F and are somewhat frost tolerant. They will live happily in zones 9b-10. They prefer full sun. They are from Cinaloa Mexico and possibly Cuba. They grow up to 3 feet tall with moderate watering. Propagate with offsets, seeds or bulbils.these plants are so beautiful when planted in the ground. They send out pups making the plant full and easy to propagate.

Agave geminiflora, native to Mexico, forms very geometric rosettes of slender, stiff leaves to 3' in diameter with time. Similar in appearance to Agave stricta, but without the barbs! Excellent in landscapes where a strong architectural form is desired. Porous soil with adequate drainage. Bright light to full sun. Water thoroughly when soil is dry to the touch. Protect from frost.

Agave mediopicta alba

Sizes

4" pot $5.00 USD 6" pot $8.00 USD 1 gallon pot $10.00 USD

Agave medio picta alba are also available in 5 gallon size for local pickup $45. Agave medio picta alba is a beautiful variegated white striped plant. A mature plant will grow to 3-4 feet in height and 4-6 feet in width. I have mine in full sun with western exposure. They will grow in full sun or part shade and are generally hardy to 20 degrees F. This agave sends out pups for you to plant and expand your collection.

This delightful Mexican agave, native to 7,000' elevation in Durango, Chihuahua and Sinaloa, is closely allied with the better known Agave filifera, except for, of course, more hairs. If the amount of hair now defines a species, bald guys watch out. From seed, our plants are wildly variable...some having filifers that would make '80s hair bands proud, to those sorely in need of Rogaine®. When old clumps develop more white hairs than you have, start looking for a 16' tall flower spike with cool green and pink flowers. Please click photo for more information.

Agave parryii huachucensis prefers temperatures above 50 degrees F and are somewhat frost tolerant. They will live happily in zones 8-11. They prefer full sun. They are from Sonora, Mexico. They grow up to 3 feet tall with moderate watering. After established require little water. Propagate with offsets, seeds. The mother plant has numerous offsets. Your plant will be 1 gallon size. Also available in 5 gallon $40 for local pickup only. Please inquire

As an introduction to this cool plant, I am offering two for the price of one. Please make a note in Notes to Vendor that you want two for one. Agave potatorum is a small Agave, growing solitary or slowly clumping, that forms an compact to open symmetrical succulent rosette. It is a very polymorphic species with a large range of variability and the size of the plant from different population and the clones on the market are quite variable and may be anywhere between 10 and 90 cm in diameter when fully grown-up.

Hesperaloes are not aloes at all. They are in the Agavaceae family. They originate in Chihuahuan desert: Texas, northeastern Mexico. They like full sun. Although they are drought tolerant, they like water in summer. They will grow to about 3 feet in height and 6' in width. They are perennials which can be propagated by division or seeds. They have long, pretty reddish/pink flowers.

Dasylirion are Frost Tolerant to 20 degrees F. They like full sun, naturally because they are from Coahuila, Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosi in Eastern Mexico. They are evergreen plants, trunk forming shrub. Dasylirion grow slowly up to 12 feet tall and 8 feet in diameter. Once established they need little water. Propagate by seeds. In summer, the plant generates hundreds of brownish-yellow flowers on a long spike that can reach 15 feet. Dasylirion longissimum is a member of the agavaceae family