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

Agave americana is a large succulent that can produce a flowering stem reaching about 7.5 m. It is native to the southern United States and Mexico. Plant it in full sun on sandy or loamy, well-drained soil; it will tolerate moist but well-drained conditions. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling, and keep away from pets as it is harmful if eaten.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Agave americana

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