December Plant of the Month: Agave
Written by Linda Russo, Senior Horticulturist / Senior Nursery Specialist
I chose Agave (represented here by two of the current hardy species we have at the Nursery) for several reasons: their value as great specimen plants, their winter interest, and their low maintenance and drought tolerance.
Agave americana is also known as Century Plant. (The leaves elongate when planted in a shady or semi-shady location). Agaves can produce many offsets, also known as “pups” per year. These pups can be easily transplanted to other locations in large pots or given as gifts to gardening friends.
A new Agave favorite in our Nursery: Agave americana var. protoamericana 'Lemon Lime' A medium sized 4’x4’ Agave at maturity. Truly beautiful coloration!
Agaves are monocarpic, which means the central blooming plant can have a bloom stalk and bloom reaching over 50 feet, depending on the species, and will die after it sets seeds. This process can take 8-40 years, depending on the species. Usually, the central plant will have set many offsets, or “pups,” before it dies. The species are the dominant plant in many regions of Mexico. The primary pollinators are nectar-feeding bats, insects such as bees and hawk moths, or birds. Many agave species have strong fibrous tissue in their leaves; this makes them useful for ropes, brushes, sandals, nets, sleeping mats, and many other items. The fiber can be removed in some species with the terminal spine still attached, forming a needle and thread. The stem of many Agave species are particularly dense in carbohydrates immediately before flowering and are the source of mescal alcohols (including Agave tequilana Blue Agave for tequila and non-alcoholic agave nectar).
Agaves have spiny leaf ends, which are useful for protection from predators. A large percentage of species also have sharp spiny leaf edges that can pierce through the skin of predators. This makes it difficult for animals to browse or devour them. This mechanism deters deer, rodents, and coyotes from eating the plant.
Important tip: If you want to make an Agave safer for a high-traffic portion of your garden, only cut the terminal spine back by 1/3; any more, and the spine will continue to deteriorate, causing unsightly rot in the leaf ends.
Caring for Agaves:
Plant in any soil, as long as it can dry out between summer waterings.
Water 1 time per week in summer (depending on high temperatures and if the soil is drying out between waterings) until established. After 1-2 years, you can water 1-2 times per month or occasionally.
Tip: If you want faster growth, you can water more, but let the soil dry in between waterings.
Available now at the Turtle Bay Nursery!
There are various types of hardy Agaves that we propagate regularly. Make sure any Agave you purchase from a nursery is hardy, as some are frost-tender.