Agaves are succulents that have thick water-storing leaves and roots. Most species need only a few inches of rainfall annually to survive. However, they respond well to some supplemental irrigation, especially during their most active growth cycles in Spring and Fall.

There are more than 300 known species of agaves. Most are found from the desert Southwest, south through Mexico and into Central and South America. They prefer well-drained, alkaline soils and are often found in rocky sites along mountain slopes. Although agaves will tolerate light shade they prefer growing locations in full sun.

Agaves have beautiful broad, lance-like leaves which grow in a rosette fashion. Leaf colors vary from silver gray to deep green. Some are banded in yellow or white, others have beautiful imprinted leaf patterns from adjacent leaf thorns. Most species reach a spread and height of from two to three feet. But some, like the giant Century Plant can attain a height and spread of ten feet or more. Not an agave for small spaces! Plenty of small growing varieties are available at local garden centers and nurseries.

Many people think the Century Plant, Agave americana is so named because that's how long it takes to bloom. Actually agaves, including the Century Plant, take somewhere from 5 to 20 or more years to bloom. When they do, the mother plant dies. In its place are small plants growing from the base, called pups, or plantlets growing from the flower stalk. Bloom spikes from agaves can be dramatic. The Century Plant produces a telephone pole-like stalk up to 20 feet tall.

Use agaves anywhere in the landscape you want to make a statement or draw attention. Their strong, sculptured form make them bold accent plants. Because of their thick leaves and coarse texture, they contrast pleasingly when planted near small-leaved desert perennials such as: salvia, penstemon, and verbena. Agaves are most attractive when planted in clusters of three or more. A single agave planted in just the right spot can be a real attention getter. Their also attractive when planted in groupings to simulate their natural clustering growth habit. The most pleasing effect comes from odd numbered groups of three or more. Agaves also look great when grown in pots.

Some of the best varieties of agave for landscape use are the smaller growing types. They include; Agave colorata (mescal cenzia), Agave parryi (Parry's agave), Agave shawii (Shaw's century plant) and Agave victoriae-reginae (Queen Victoria agave). Other agaves of note include; Agave bovicornuta (cowshorn agave), Agave americana (century plant), and Agave vilmoriniana (octopus agave).

Agave colorata has attractive blue-green coloring with distinctive patterns from bud leaf imprinting. It can be grown in containers or other close-in locations where the intricate leaf patterns can be enjoyed. 

Agave parryi has distinctive dark brown toothed, which line gray-green leaves. Individual plants grow in rosettes resembling giant artichokes. Cold hardy down to 5 degrees, parryi is an excellent choice for even the coldest locations.

Agave victoriae-reginae is a favorite of agaves due to it's dense, perfectly rounded form. Unusual triangular-shaped leaves are dark green with beautiful white margins. A slow grower, the Queen Victoria agave in time reaches 2 feet in diameter.

Agave vilmoriniana is one of the most prolific and commonly grown agaves in Tucson. It's arching and twisting dark green leaves appear as the arms of an octopus from which it's given it's common name. Unlike other agaves, the Octopus agave has no leaf spines and is safe to use near walks or other high-traffic locations. A profusion of plantlets are produced from the flowering stalk and can be rooted to form new plants.

Although agaves have few problems, some of the larger types, such as agave americana, are bothered by the agave weevils. These small black snout-nosed beetles lay their eggs in feeding tubes chewed in the agave. White grubs hatch from the eggs and proceed to eat their way to the center of the plant. In the process, the plant suddenly wilts and dies. Removal of the dead plant as soon as possible will help prevent the spread of the insect to surrounding agave. 

A good selection of agaves are available at local garden centers and nurseries. To view a number of agave varieties visit the collections of agaves and other succulents at the Tucson Botanical Gardens, Tohono Chul, and the Sonoran Desert Museum. We also have a number of agave species on display at the Extension Center.

Written by John Begeman, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the University of Arizona, 520-626-5161.
Material originally appeared in Arizona Daily Star gardening column, on February 7, 1999
Return to index