About
Agave deserti is a perennial succulent characterized by a rosette of robust, pointed leaves that measure between 15 to 40 cm in length, exhibiting a greyish-green hue. This species readily forms offsets. During the summer months, mature specimens can produce elongated flower spikes, reaching up to 2 meters, adorned with silvery yellow blooms. Originating from extremely dry desert habitats, this plant can endure cooler temperatures, as long as it remains completely dry.
About the genus
Agave consists of either perennial or monocarpic succulents that develop rosettes of typically stiff, thick, spiny leaves. The plants produce funnel-shaped flowers in racemes or panicles that often exceed the height of the rosettes.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Cactus Succulent, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants
- Native to
- USA (California, Arizona), N. 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
- Cultivation
- Grow under glass in cactus compost, water sparingly when in growth, but keep dry over winter. Apply a dilute, liquid fertiliser 3 or 4 times during the growing season. Outdoors plants can be grown in a raised desert bed but must be given complete protection from winter wet. See hardy cacti and succulent cultivation for further advice
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by removing offsets in spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to scale insects
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free