Agave Varieties

4. Plant Description and Characteristics

Agave victoriae reginae subsp. swobodae compacta is a distinctive and visually appealing succulent.

• Size and Growth Habit: This slow-growing agave forms a symmetrical, globose rosette. Mature plants typically reach a height and width of approximately 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm), making it more manageable than some other large agave species. The compact form makes it ideal for small gardens or container planting.
• Leaf Characteristics: The leaves are thick, fleshy, and stiff, with a dark green color enhanced by striking white or creamy-white markings along the margins. These markings give the rosette a geometrically precise, almost architectural appeal. The leaf shape is generally triangular or lanceolate, and the margins are characteristically smooth, devoid of spines or teeth, which is a feature that contrasts with many other agave species. The leaves arrange themselves in a spiraling pattern, forming the tight rosette.
• Flower Characteristics: Agave victoriae reginae subsp. swobodae compacta is monocarpic, meaning it flowers only once in its lifetime, typically after many years (often decades). The flower stalk is tall, reaching up to 6-8 feet, and is much taller than the rosette. The flowers are usually greenish-white or purplish, and the blooming period typically occurs in late spring or early summer. After flowering, the plant dies, leaving behind offsets for propagation.
• Unique Features: The distinctiveness of this variety lies in the compact arrangement of the leaves and the pronounced, contrasting white markings. These markings are highly variable and can even encompass almost the entire leaf margin in some specimens. Its lack of spines also contributes to its popularity, making it safer to handle than many other agaves. The symmetry of the plant is almost perfect in mature specimens.

Agave victoriae reginae subsp. victoriae reginae is a slow-growing, elegant, and symmetrical succulent, a true testament to nature’s artistry. Its beauty lies not in rapid expanse, but in the deliberate formation of a perfect, tight rosette.

4. Plant Description and Characteristics

Agave vilmoriniana is a striking, medium-sized agave. Its most defining characteristic is its graceful, arching leaves that cascade outwards, resembling an octopus’s tentacles.

4. Plant Description and Characteristics

Agave vizcainoensis possesses several key characteristics:

• Size and Growth Habit: Forms a relatively large, solitary rosette. Mature plants typically reach a height of 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 meters) and a width of 4 to 7 feet (1.2 to 2.1 meters).
• Leaf Characteristics: Leaves are thick, fleshy, and stiff, radiating outward from the center of the plant in a symmetrical pattern. Leaf color is a striking pale blue-green, often with a subtle waxy coating. The leaves are generally lanceolate (lance-shaped) but can be quite variable in form too, with gently curving margins. The margins feature prominent, sharp teeth (spines) that are often reddish-brown, and a terminal spine that is particularly sharp, hence the designation for such a ‘spiny’ agave as a "Choyal." The mature leaves maintain this overall structure.
• Flower Characteristics: Agave vizcainoensis is monocarpic, meaning it flowers only once in its lifetime, typically after several decades (15–20 years is normal, but potentially longer). The flowering stalk, or inflorescence, is tall and robust, reaching heights of 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters). It is a very dramatic sight. The flowers are usually yellow, held in clusters along the upper part of the stalk. After flowering, the plant dies, but it typically produces offsets (pups/suckers) at the base, which will form new plants.
• Unique Features: The silvery-blue foliage and the sharp, reddish-brown marginal spines. The size, the leaf shape, and the relatively short and wide habit give this agave a very distinctive look when compared with other species with similar colors, such as Agave shawii or Agave parryi.

4. Plant Description and Characteristics

Agave warelliana presents a striking appearance and distinctive attributes.

• Size and Growth Habit: Unlike some of its towering relatives, Agave warelliana is a relatively compact agave, typically reaching a height and width of up to 1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm) at maturity. Its growth habit is characterized by its tightly packed, symmetrical rosette form, gradually expanding to create a dense, spherical shape.
• Leaf Characteristics: The leaves are rigid, smooth, and of a glaucous blue-green in color, which allows for a delicate appearance that is both unique and beautiful. The leaves are lance-shaped, elegantly curving inward. The margins bear small, reddish-brown spines that are not overwhelmingly sharp, thus adding to the plant’s charm, rather than a deterrent.
• Flower Characteristics: Agave warelliana, like most agaves, is monocarpic, meaning it flowers only once at the end of its life cycle. The flowering stalk can reach a height of 8-10 feet (2.4-3 meters), towering above the rosette. The flowers themselves are a vibrant yellow-green, resembling tiny sun-like formations, and occur in clusters along the branched inflorescence. The blooming period typically occurs during the summer months.
• Unique Features: The most unique characteristic of Agave warelliana is its compact and near-perfectly rounded form. This distinct form allows for distinct characterization amongst other agave species.

Origin and Natural Habitat

Agave wocomahi hails from the heart of the arid to semi-arid landscapes of Sonora, Mexico, with its range extending slightly into the neighboring state of Chihuahua. Its stronghold lies, specifically, in mountainous regions and foothills, where it finds refuge from extreme temperatures and harsh sunlight.

The natural habitat of Agave wocomahi is characterized by hot, dry conditions with infrequent rainfall, typically occurring in the summer months. Elevations range from approximately 500 to 1500 meters (1600 to 5000 feet) above sea level. The plant thrives in rocky, well-draining soils, often composed of a mix of sand, gravel, and decomposed granite. Associated plant communities include other xerophytic species – plants adapted to dry conditions – such as various cacti (e.g., Opuntia, Ferocactus), yucca, and other hardscrabble shrubs and grasses. Agave wocomahi is well-adapted to these harsh conditions, demonstrating its survival and resilience. The presence of the plant is often a sign of a balanced and rich mountain ecosystem.

From the moment one lays eyes on the Leatherleaf Agave, a captivating blend of architectural form and resilience becomes apparent. The stiff, dark-green leaves of Agave xylonacantha, arranged in a symmetrical rosette, immediately demand attention. This iconic succulent is not simply visually striking; it is a testament to the adaptive prowess of the agave family. The placement of its spines, a design that gives rise to one of its common names, serves as a particularly noteworthy characteristic of this plant’s beauty.

4. Plant Description and Characteristics

Agave xylonacantha ‘Blue’ is a stunning, symmetrical rosette that typically grows to be 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) tall and about as wide. Its most distinctive feature is the trident-shaped terminal spine on each leaf, a characteristic not seen in all other Agave species. The leaves are thick, fleshy, lanceolate, and exhibit a striking blue-grey colour. They are rigid, tapering to these sharp, dark brown terminal spines, with margins adorned with teeth or spines to enhance the dramatic appearance.

4. Plant Description and Characteristics

Agave triangularis is a medium-sized agave, forming a striking rosette. Its leaves are arguably the most defining feature. They are thick, rigid, and triangular in cross-section giving it its name, appearing deep green to grayish-green, sometimes with a waxy coating (glaucous). The edges can be smooth or have small, fine teeth. A sharp, dark terminal spine caps each leaf. The leaves are arranged spirally, radiating outwards from the center creating a symmetrical shape and give the plant its elegant look. Some plants display beautiful variegation, such as yellow or creamy stripes along the leaf margins.

4. Plant Description and Characteristics

Agave triangularis ‘Subintegra’ offers an arresting aesthetic in the arid garden.

• Size and Growth Habit: This is a medium-sized agave, typically reaching a height of approximately 0.6 meters (2 feet) and a width of up to 0.9 meters (3 feet). Its growth habit is generally solitary, forming a rosette of leaves.
• Leaf Characteristics: The leaves embody distinctive features. They are, as the latin suggests, somewhat triangular in shape. The coloring of the leaves is a bluish-green, with a subtly textured surface, and they can present a slight curvature. The margins are subtly smooth, and in younger plants, occasional small, blunt teeth may be present on the edges. The leaves converge from a central point, creating a symmetrical arrangement. No spines are present; the leaves are unarmed.
• Flower Characteristics: Agave triangularis ‘Subintegra’ is monocarpic, flowering only once in its lifetime. When it does, it produces a tall, imposing flower stalk, reaching heights up to 3 meters (10 feet) or more. The stalk is often branched, bearing clusters of yellowish-green flowers. The timing is generally after a decade or more of growth; the blooming period usually occurs during the summer months, although this varies according to the climate.
• Unique Features: The key distinction of this species lies in its leaf shape, which is a unique arrangement that is between triangular and lanceolate, or spear-shaped. The absence of prominent spines is another distinguishing trait.