A solitary agave from the mountains of northern Mexico with broad, bright green leaves edged in reddish, horn-like teeth. Its color stands out among the blue and gray agaves, and it is one of the better agave choices for a spot with some shade.
Living with it in the Phoenix Valley
Watering
Follow the shrub, groundcover and succulent schedule in our Landscape Care guide. It does most of its growing in the mild spring and fall. In summer it needs only enough to keep the leaves firm, especially in years with a weak monsoon. Well-drained soil prevents root rot.
Pruning
None needed. Remove fully dried lower leaves if you like a tidy base.
Sun and heat
Full western sun stresses it, and the leaves stretch and bend back. Morning sun or the light shade of a tree keeps it compact and green.
How our designers use it
Under a desert tree
Its tolerance for shade makes it a natural for the filtered light beneath an ironwood, palo brea or Texas ebony.
A green counterpoint
Among blue agaves and gray shrubs, its glossy green leaves add contrast without changing the desert character of the planting.
Containers when young
Smaller plants make strong container specimens on a shaded patio. Larger ones are hard to move, so plan the final spot early.
Good to know
Around the pool
The toothed edges and sharp tip can cause real injury. Keep it several feet back from paths, play areas and pool decking.
Flowering
It does not pup, so when it eventually blooms and dies, it will need replacing.
