Overview
Agave atrovirens is a clump forming cactus succulent in the genus Agave, part of the Asparagaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Agave atrovirens grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. Suggested uses include patio and container plants, mediterranean climate plants and coastal.
About
Agave atrovirens, called maguey verde grande is a species of Agave (family Agavaceae) native to Oaxaca, Puebla and Veracruz states in Mexico. It is one of the largest of all the Agaves, approached in size only by Agave missionum, and occasionally reaching a weight of 2 t (2.0 long tons; 2.2 short tons). Each rosette flowers and fruits once, then dies. According to Fayaz this is one of the species which makes offsets or "pups". Grow it in full sun and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it is tender and needs frost-free protection over winter (RHS H2). It works well for patio and container plants, mediterranean climate plants and coastal. It tolerates acid and neutral soils, well-drained conditions and south-facing aspects. Plant in very well-drained, gritty compost. Full sun.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Agave atrovirens
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Agave
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
Agave atrovirens size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Cactus Succulent, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants, Coastal
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Agave atrovirens
- Propagation
- Offsets taken in spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- Scale insects
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Agave atrovirens?
Agave atrovirens prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Agave atrovirens need?
Agave atrovirens grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Agave atrovirens hardy in the UK?
Agave atrovirens has an RHS hardiness rating of H2, meaning it is tender, tolerating 1–5°C, and needs frost-free protection over winter.
How do I propagate Agave atrovirens?
Offsets taken in spring or autumn.
More in the Agave genus
- Agave americana subsp. americana
- Agave congesta
- Agave eggersiana
- Agave horrida 'Perotensis'
- Agave inaequidens
- Agave mitis
- Agave ovatifolia 'Vanzie'
- Agave parryi var. couesii
