(Agave victoriae-reginae, J Brew)
Introduction
Agaves are some of the most beautiful succulents, forming leaf rosettes with striking symmetry. Plants may be yellow-green, green, blue-green, gray-blue, or even pale blue.
Leaves radiate from a central rosette. Most species are stemless, with the rosette at ground level; a few develop short trunks.
Garden
In all but the coldest, wettest locations, agaves thrive in gardens. They prefer excellent drainage and tolerate summer rain. However, with heavy fertilizer or extra water, they can become oversized and produce “soft” growth that is less cold-hardy than normal.
If you garden where summer rain is common, withhold extra water and fertilizer, and choose a well-drained site. In dry parts of the West, some agaves can withstand temperatures below zero.
Additional Reading: Agave and Yucca–Tough Plants for Tough Times
