Agave angustifolia
A large, perennial succulent, usually stemless but sometimes with a short stem to 50cm, forming a rosette up to 2m across of stiff, linear to lance-shaped, green or grey-green leaves, with fine teeth along the edges and spines at the tips. Mature plants produce a tall, branching spike of small yellow-green flowers; the main rosette will die off after flowering, but plants often produce offsets
Synonyms
Agave angustifolia var. rubescensAgave sobolifera var. serrulata
see moreAgave panamana
Agave elongata
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow Green | Green Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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 to C America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass in cactus compost, water freely when in growth, but keep almost dry over winter. Apply a dilute, liquid fertiliser 3 or 4 times during the growing season. Can be moved onto the patio during the summer months, but needs to overwinter in a greenhouse or conservatory. See hardy cacti and succulent cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed, or by removing offsets in spring or autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Sub-tropical
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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