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Agave


 
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Agave spp.

Ah-GAH-vee

SPACING: One as a specimen

Evergreen Accent - Sun

HABIT:  Yellowish green flowers on tall stalks after ten years or so. Some species have pinkish white flowers. Most agaves form a rosette of thick, leathery, yellow-green leaves. Agave americana, the century plant, has blue green leaves up to 6’ long with hooked spines along the edges and a wicked spine at the tip. Several varieties have yellow or white striped leaves. More than 300 species exist.

CULTURE:  Dry, well-drained soil is the best situation.
 
USES:  Specimen for dramatic look and texture change.
 
PROBLEMS:  Coarse texture, sharp spines, hard to work around, dangerous.


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Agave victoria-regina

Very slow growing but tough and beautiful agave. Excellent for the cactus garden or in pots. Plant in full sun with extremly well drained soil. Very east to grow with a few pest problems. Stupid people carving their initials into the leaves is the most common problem.

Hardy to 12 degrees F.

ORIGIN:  Mexico

GROWTH:  Slow growing sucullent variegated leaves in rosettes to 18" in diameter.

NOTE:  Be careful.  It is highly armed.

QUESTION:  We have a century plant in our back yard that bloomed this past summer. The leaves have since withered, but the 17-foot stalk is still standing. I understand that the dried stalks often are used as yard ornaments. When is the best time to cut it? And after it is cut, is there anything specific we should do to preserve it? B.R., Dallas

ANSWER:  I would cut the stalk off now and hang it upside down for a month or so to allow it to dry thoroughly. It should last a long time as a dried flower. No other treatment should be needed.


 

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