Agave ovatifolia
whale's tongue agave
A succulent perennial with rosettes, up to 1.5m high and 2m across, of almost white, pale blue-green leaves. The leaves are broad and almost egg-shaped in outline, with only small teeth on the scalloped edges but tipped at the ends with sharp spines. Flowering stems, when produced, are 1.5-2m high with yellow-green flowers in summer
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue Green Grey Silver | Green Yellow | Blue Green Grey Silver | |
| Autumn | Blue Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Blue Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Tufted
- Potentially harmful
- 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
- Genus
Agave can be perennial or monocarpic succulents, forming rosettes of usually rigid, fleshy, spiny-edged leaves, with funnel-shaped flowers in racemes or panicles often much taller than the rosettes
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mexico
How to grow
Cultivation
This species is more tolerant of cold and moist climates than many other species and can sometimes be grown in full sun in sharply drained dry soil; for more advice, see hardy cacti and succulent cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 13-21°C in early spring (it does not produce offsets)
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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