Agave americana “Deep Blue”
Agave americana is an old standard and has been in gardens for centuries all around the globe in Mediterranean climates. Agave americana “Deep Blue” is admired for its rich blue color. It is one of the larger Agaves and reaches dimensions of over 10′ in diameter. Not suitable near driveways or walkways as leaves are sharp and stiff. Best when made a focal piece to be seen from afar. Very drought tolerant. The name ‘Century Plant’ is misleading as the plant really lives about 7-10 years before flowering. It will stay small as long as it is restrained in a container. In the garden, it needs to be maintained by removing offsets or it will mug the gardener.
Leaves have recurved spines on their margins and a long terminal spine. Care must be taken to locate this plant away from foot traffic. When a plant blooms, it sends up a single erect flower stalk from the center of the leave rosette which can reach 40 feet in height. The flower stalk resembles a narrow telephone pole with horizontal branches that hold the flowers spreading out at the top. 3-4 inch greenish-yellow flowers bloom sequentially in panicles at the branch ends. The plant is deer resistant. Its sap can irritate skin – so do not trim with a chainsaw. Agave americana grows faster in summer with some additional irrigation.
Horticultural Data
Names and Synonyms: Agave ingens var. picta, Agave zonata, Agave virginica, Agave americana var. theometel, Agave theometel, Agave subzonata, Agave spectabilis, Agave ramosa, Agave picta, Agave altissima, Agave rasconensis, Agave milleri, Agave communis, Agave complicata, Agave felina, Agave fuerstenbergii, Agave gracilispina, Agave ingens, Agave melliflua
Common Names: Century Plant, American Agave, Maguey
Family: Agavaceae
Origin: Mexico
Size Label: 1 Gallon
Mature Size: individual rosette
Height: 4-6′
Width: 8-10′
Cold Tolerance: 15 to 20°F, ?9.4 ° to -6.7°C
Heat Tolerance: Extreme
Light Requirement: Full sun
Water needs: Extremely drought tolerant. Can take occasional irrigation in dry climates
Maintenance: Plan for the plant’s mature size and locate it accordingly to allow for easy bi-annual maintenance. Remove pups, dead leaves and spine tips (as desired).
Uses: Dramatic large landscape or specimen plant, xeriscape, excellent in large rock gardens, succulent and cactus gardens, barrier plantings. Striking for large containers.
Propagation: Plant is monocarpic and dies after flowering. However Agave americana produces abundant seeds after flowering. Pups can be detached and replanted at any time.
Research Links:
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/55351/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agave_americana
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e545
http://plantlust.com/plants/agave-americana/
Shipping & Availability
There is a minimum purchase of any 4 plants for online orders. All plants shipped bare root. Other sizes may be available for pick up from our growing grounds in Fallbrook, CA. For more information, give us a call at 760-990-4762.
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