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AGAVE
Commonly known as Century plant
Genus of about 200 species of rosette-forming, perennial or monocarpic succulents from desert and mountain regions of North, Central and South America and the West Indies.
Can take many years to flower.
In most species the rosettes die after flowering and fruiting leaving offsets.
Flowers, leaves, stalks and sap are all edible. The sap has been used for various alcoholic drinks, the most well-known being tequila ,and the plant also provided paper and rope from its fibres.
Further Reading....
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EvergreenProduces a dense, compact, basal rosette of broadly oblong, spiny leaves to 30cm (12in) long
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Height50cm (20in) -
SpreadTo 1m (3ft)
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SucculentMonocarpic (dies after flowering although can grow for many years before flowering). Can produce offsets
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Tender - cool or frost free greenhouseTolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen. Except in frost-free inner-city areas or coastal extremities requires glasshouse conditions. Plant can withstand temperatures down to 1°C (34°F) -
Full sun
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Additional FeaturesArchitectural interestExotic plants
Good to knowCan take many years to flower, hence common name.
Pests & DiseasesScale insects, particularly on young growth.
Place of originMountains of USA(Arizona) to northern Mexico. -
Flower ShapePaniclesErect panicles to 5m (16ft)TrumpetFunnel-shaped, short-tubed flowers 6cm (2½in) long
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Garden Location/ConditionsCoastal / windsweptSuitable for small gardens
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HardinessHalf hardy (down to 0)
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Leaf Colour (if not green)Gold variegated
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Leaf shape
Oblong(see photos above) -
Seasonal InterestAutumnSpringSummerWinter
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Soil ConditionsNeutral to acid soilWell drained, dry, poor to moderately fertile soilUnder glass use cactus compost. Full light.
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Toxic - Category C
Skin irritant(People & Pets)
Agave - Growing Guide
Buy Varieties of AGAVE
AGAVE americana
Century plant, Pulque
large architectural grey leaves with spines, suitable for sheltered hot dry sunny locations
AGAVE americana 'Mediopicta'
Century plant, Pulque
AGAVE americana 'Variegata'
Century plant, Pulque
AGAVE geminiflora
Century plant, Twin flowered agave
stiff, narrow, flexible leaves, dark green in colour. Flowers formed in pairs
Useful extras...
Fertilisers & Feeds - Vitax
Q4 Pelleted Fertiliser
A useful fertiliser suitable for use on a wide variety of plants. Q4 provides all the nutrients and trace elements essential for vigorous growth, abundant flowering and ripening of fruit.
3 options from £6.00
Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Afterplant - Grow Your Own
AFTER PLANT GROW YOUR OWN seaweed is ready to use liquid concentrate that was specially formulated be used on all edible plants.
Only £8.00
Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Afterplant - Tomatoes
AFTER PLANT TOMATO FEED Liquid Concentrate with Bio stimulant is a high potash liquid concentrate containing seaweed extract, plant derived amino acids and other nutrients specifically formulated to benefit tomatoes and greenhouse plants.
Only £8.00
Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi
Recommended by the RHS. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi. Suitable for all trees and shrubs (except rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, cranberries and blueberries)
3 options from £3.00
Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Rootgrow Ericoid mycorrhizal fungi
This specially adapted Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi will boost the growth of acid-loving plants like rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers and blueberries.
It contains ericoid and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, which are found in poor acidic soils where ericaceous plants naturally grow.
Only £7.50
Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
All-purpose Seaweed Stimulant
All-purpose organic concentrated seaweed feed that is a ready to use, derived from sustainable harvested kelp, that can be used on all outdoor and indoor plants, except acid loving plants.
Perfect used in conjunction with Rootgrow™.
Only £7.50
