Very common and weedy domesticated agave. May reach up to 12 feet wide at maturity, somewhat smaller if grown hard and dry. By far the most common large agave in cultivation. Blue, green, and multiple variegated varieties exist, with a range of forms, suckering incessantly by rhizomes which usually emerge relatively close to the mother plant. Remove offsets regularly to avoid the development of a dangerously spiny, impenetrable thicket.
One of two so-called royal agaves, attractive long-lived ornamental plants whose leaves feature white markings and sharp terminal spines. Native of the Chihuahuan Desert. Small to medium sized. There are a few different versions of this species, which used to include the former A. ferdinandi-regis (King Ferdinand agave), now called A. nickelsiae. The larger form of the Queen Victoria agave is solitary and grown from seed. It will require roughly a 16 inch container when it reaches full size. A smaller form (compacta) will offset slowly over time, and the variegated forms of this species are derived from it. This species is not common in habitat but relatively common in cultivation. Inflorescence is unbranched. Sun loving and drought tolerant.
While this plant is indeed commonly cultivated in México, it is never called "azahar" (which is the word used for citrus blossoms, especially orange blossoms), but rather "nardo" or "azucena" (azucena being the generic term for any white, lily-like flower). The tuberose was already entirely domesticated by the indigenous civilizations of Mexico at the time of the Spanish conquest, and forms of Polianthes tuberosa growing in the wild have never been discovered or seen.
Brilliant variegated cultivar of Agave univittata (formerly known as lophantha). The name comes from the fact that leaves may feature up to four colors: yellow, two tones of green, and pink or red margins/teeth when stressed. Offsets to form rhizomatous clumps over time, like the parent. Tolerates day-long sun in containers and in the ground in a mild coastal climate. Strong light gives best form and color. An excellent candidate for container culture. A 12 inch pot will be enough for a solitary plant if you remove the offsets every so often.
Grown in pots here overwintered dry in basement. Some flower scapes have been quite a bit taller than 2'.
An outstanding plant which forms a trunk along the ground with pups growing from it.
Attractive clumping variegated dwarf agave with many blue and white striped leaves in a tight rosette.
This is a very rewarding Agave to grow. It generally has a very nice shape as its common name, 'Octopus Agave,' already suggests. It does tend to lean towards the sun a bit as it grows. Given its relatively thin leaves, it is surprisingly resilient in terms of sun exposure here in Arizona, where plants almost seem to do best exposed to as much sun as possible. It does like some summer water, but takes neglect very well.
Small to medium sized, well armed agave whose leaves often but not always feature a pale mid stripe. Offsets quite a bit by rhizomes and typically forms a small clump by the time it reaches flowering size. Relatively common in cultivation.
Attractive hybrid between A. ocahui and A. attenuata. Nice blue color with red margins. There is a green version of this plant ("Green Glow") though the blue version sometimes goes green on its own. Offsets sparsely. Cold sensitive. Drought tolerant. Looks best in full sun.
