An agave with long, arching leaves that curl and twist like tentacles. The leaf edges are smooth and the tip is soft, so it is friendlier than most agaves near people. It grows quickly but lives a relatively short time, usually less than ten years.
Living with it in the Phoenix Valley
Watering
Follow the shrub, groundcover and succulent schedule in our Landscape Care guide. It appreciates infrequent but regular water in summer, especially when the monsoon is light. Wet, poorly drained soil leads to root rot.
Pruning
None needed. Leaf tips often brown in Phoenix heat; this is cosmetic. Cutting off a flower stalk does not save the plant.
Heat and sun
Intense afternoon sun and reflected heat can yellow and scorch the leaves. Morning sun or light shade keeps it looking its best.
Bulbils
It makes few pups. Instead, the flower stalk usually produces many small plantlets that can be potted up to replace the parent.
How our designers use it
A sculptural accent
One plant, or a group of three, gives a bold, moving form to an entry, courtyard or modern bed.
Large containers
It is well suited to big pots, where the arching leaves can spill over the rim.
Closer to people
With soft tips and no edge teeth, it is one of the agaves we are most comfortable using near seating and walks, as long as it has room to spread.
Good to know
Around the pool
The soft tip and smooth edges make it a gentler choice near the pool than most agaves, but give it 8′ or more of space so leaves don’t crowd the deck.
Short-lived
Expect it to bloom and die within about ten years. Bulbils from the stalk make replacement easy.
