Introduction

Agaves are some of the most beautiful succulents, forming rosettes of leaves, some the astounding symmetry. They plants may be yellow-green, green, blue-green, gray-blue, and even pale blue.

Their leaves extend from a central rosette and they are often stemless, with the rosette sitting on the ground. A few species have trunks.

Garden

In all but the coldest and wettest locations, agaves will thrive in a garden. They like good drainage and tolerate summer rain. However, they can become large if fertilized or watered too much. They can produce “soft” growth that is less cold-hardy than normal.

So, if you grow these plants in climates with summer rain, withhold extra water and fertilizer. Give them a well-drained location. In dry areas in the West, some agaves can easily withstand temperatures below zero F.

Additional Reading: Agave and Yucca–Tough Plants for Tough Times