Alphabetical Plant Listing

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 drywell-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

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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

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Great Plant Combination Ideas with Agave

Guides with Agave


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

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Agave

Guides with Agave

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