Agave attenuata (Fox Tail Agave)
Fox Tail Agave, Lion's Tail Agave, Swan's Neck Agave, Agave cernua, Agave glaucescens, Agave pruinosa
Unlike many Agaves, Agave attenuata (Fox Tail Agave) is an evergreen succulent perennial which produces a handsome rosette of silvery, pale green leaves, up to 4 ft. wide (120 cm), without teeth or terminal spines. Borne on a thick stem which can reach 4 ft. (120 cm), the rosette is composed of flexible leaves which gracefully arch back, resembling an open flower. This Agave derives its common name from the impressive arching flower stalk which emerges from the rosette in summer. Reaching up to 5-10 ft. in height (150-300 cm), it reflexes back towards the ground before arching up again like a fox tail. It bears greenish-yellow flowers which give way to seed pods and many new plantlets. This Agave plant makes a dramatic focal point or accent and can be used in decorative pots.
- Grows up to 4-5 ft. tall (120-150 cm) and 6-8 ft. wide (180-240 cm).
- Easily grown in slightly acidic, sandy or gravelly, moist or dry, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates part shade. Keep in a frost-free area in winter and put it out on the patio or balcony in summer. Drought tolerant, this agave does not do well in desert heat.
- Great for beds and borders, city gardens, coastal gardens, rock gardens, succulent gardens or Mediterranean gardens. Ideal as an accent plant in sunny borders or in decorative containers.
- Deer resistant
- Virtually disease free. Watch for slugs and snails.
- Propagate by offsets
- Native to Mexico
Agave: Plant Care and Growing Guide
Here are some tips on how to plant and grow agaves successfullyRead More
Not sure which Agave to pick?
Compare All Agave
Buy Agave attenuata (Fox Tail Agave)
Requirements
Hardiness | 9
– 12 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 5
– 11 |
Climate Zones | 13, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Cactus - Succulents |
Plant Family | Agave |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 4' – 5' (120cm – 150cm) |
Spread | 6' – 8' (180cm – 240cm) |
Spacing | 96" (240cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Salt |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
Debora Carl Landscape Design, abbphoto / 123RF Stock Photo
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.
Requirements
Hardiness | 9
– 12 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 5
– 11 |
Climate Zones | 13, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Cactus - Succulents |
Plant Family | Agave |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 4' – 5' (120cm – 150cm) |
Spread | 6' – 8' (180cm – 240cm) |
Spacing | 96" (240cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Salt |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |