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Agave nickelsiae (King of the Agaves)

King of the Agaves, Nickel's Agave, Pinguino, King Ferdinand Agave, King agave, King Ferdinand's Agave, Agave ferdinandi-regis Berger, Agave victoriae-reginae T. Moore var. laxior Berger

Agave nickelsiae,King of the Agaves, Nickel's Agave, Pinguino, King Ferdinand Agave, King agave, King Ferdinand's Agave, Agave ferdinandi-regis Berger, Agave victoriae-reginae T. Moore var. laxior Berger
Agave nickelsiae,King of the Agaves, Nickel's Agave, Pinguino, King Ferdinand Agave, King agave, King Ferdinand's Agave, Agave ferdinandi-regis Berger, Agave victoriae-reginae T. Moore var. laxior Berger
Agave nickelsiae,King of the Agaves, Nickel's Agave, Pinguino, King Ferdinand Agave, King agave, King Ferdinand's Agave, Agave ferdinandi-regis Berger, Agave victoriae-reginae T. Moore var. laxior Berger

An unforgettable sight, Agave nickelsiae, previously named Agave ferdinandi-regis, is an evergreen, perennial succulent forming a striking compact rosette of stout, smooth and spineless, dark olive green leaves. Each leaf is beautifully adorned with ornamental white bud prints. Lacking teeth along the edges, they instead exhibit narrow white margins and are tipped by a contrasting black terminal spine. Mature plants (over 20 years) flower only once. They are topped with a magnificent flowering spike that can reach 20 ft. (6 m), and bears dense clusters of yellow flowers flushed with purplish-red. Very slow-growing, this distinctive Agave is terrific for sunny borders or containers.

  • Grows up to 2 ft. tall (60 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm). May reach 20 ft. (6 m) with flower stalk.
  • Easily grown in well-drained soils in full sun. Prefers light shade in hot, low desert areas. Very little to no irrigation required. Drought tolerant once established.
  • Great for beds and borders, city gardens, rock gardens, succulent gardens or Mediterranean gardens. Ideal as an accent plant in sunny borders or in decorative containers.
  • Attracts hummingbirds and birds but is deer resistant
  • Virtually disease free. Watch for scale insects.
  • Propagate by offsets in spring or fall
  • Use caution, safety glasses, long sleeves, long pants, well covered shoes, and gloves when cutting this plant.
  • Native to southeastern Coahuila, northeast of Saltillo, Mexico

Agave: Plant Care and Growing Guide


Agave plants are popular for landscaping because they are rich in many qualities and have a striking architectural appearance. Here are some tips on how to plant and grow agaves successfully

Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 11
Heat Zones 5 - 12
Climate Zones 10, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Cactus & Succulents
Plant Family Asparagaceae
Genus Agave
Common names Agave
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 2' (60cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Birds, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Mediterranean Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Agave tequilana (Blue Agave)
Agave angustifolia var. marginata (Caribbean Agave)
Agave xylonacantha (Saw Leaf Agave)
Agave x leopoldii (Leopold Agave)
Agave vilmoriniana ‘Stained Glass’ (Octopus Agave)
Agave macroacantha (Black-Spined Agave)

Recommended Companion Plants

Sedum nussbaumerianum (Stonecrop)
Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Sticks on Fire’ (Fire Sticks)

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Agave: Plant Care and Growing Guide
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 11
Heat Zones 5 - 12
Climate Zones 10, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Cactus & Succulents
Plant Family Asparagaceae
Genus Agave
Common names Agave
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 2' (60cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Birds, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Mediterranean Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Agave
Guides with
Agave
Not sure which Agave to pick?
Compare Now

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