Overview
Agave americana is a clump forming succulent in the genus Agave, part of the Asparagaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 7.5 m tall. Agave americana grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include architectural, coastal, gravel garden, patio and container plants and mediterranean climate plants. It is native to S USA to Mexico.
About the genus
Agave is a genus of monocots native to the arid regions of the Americas. The genus is primarily known for its succulent and xerophytic species that typically form large rosettes of strong, fleshy leaves.
Wikipedia contributors, "Agave", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Agave
In the garden
Agave americana is a substantial succulent from the southern United States and Mexico that is capable of producing a flowering height around 7.5 m. In the UK it flowers from July to September. As a sun-loving species, it needs full sun and a free-draining position; soil is best sandy or loamy and should not remain waterlogged, though it will tolerate moisture so long as drainage is good. H4 hardiness in UK terms indicates average winter survivability; the plant is commonly grown outdoors where soils drain freely and winters are not excessively wet for long periods. In USDA terms it suits zones 8–11, so growers familiar with those zones can use that as a guide for where it will establish outdoors without winter protection. Place Agave americana where its size can be accommodated — a sunny gravel bed, a well-drained border or a paved courtyard are appropriate locations that allow its height and form to be apparent. Handle the leaves and any sap with care: the sap is a skin irritant, so use gloves and other protective kit, and note that the plant is harmful to dogs and cats if eaten; for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants. Flowering is July to September.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Agave
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Agave americana size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Succulent
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 7.5 m
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, Coastal, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants
- Native to
- S USA to Mexico
- Toxicity
- Skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats): harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Agave americana
- Cultivation
- Plant in full sun with well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; protect from severe frost
- Pruning
- Remove dead or damaged leaves carefully using gloves to avoid skin irritation
- Propagation
- Offsets, Seed
- Pest resistance
- Scale insects
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Agave americana?
Plant in full sun with well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; protect from severe frost.
Where is the best place to plant Agave americana?
Agave americana prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Agave americana need?
Agave americana grows best in sandy and loamy soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Agave americana?
Remove dead or damaged leaves carefully using gloves to avoid skin irritation.
How big does Agave americana grow?
Agave americana reaches a height of 7.5 m.
Is Agave americana hardy in the UK?
Agave americana has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Agave americana?
Offsets, Seed.
Is Agave americana toxic?
Skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats): harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.
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