Alphabetical Plant Listing

Agave colorata (Mescal Ceniza)

Mescal Ceniza, Coastal Agave


Slow-growing, Agave colorata (Mescal Ceniza) is an evergreen, perennial succulent forming a rosette of fleshy, nearly spoon-shaped, powdery blue leaves with particularly fascinating crossbanding. Rough textured, the leaves are deeply scalloped and lined with formidable, dark brown teeth along their margins and tipped with a stout terminal spine. Mature plants (over 15 years) flower only once. They are topped with a magnificent flowering spike in spring that can reach 10 ft. (3m), and bears clusters of deep red buds opening to yellow and orange flowers. The flowering rosette dies after flowering. While this Agave is usually solitary, it may produce offsets or pups around its base.

  • Grows up to 1-3 ft. tall (30-90 cm) and 2-4 ft. wide (60-120 cm). May reach 10 ft. (3 m) with flower stalk. 
  • Easily grown in well-drained soils in full sun. Drought tolerant once established. Little to no supplemental irrigation is required, except during the hottest part of summer when additional water would be welcomed. Cut back on the frequency of watering in fall and keep the soil dry in winter.
  • Great for coastal gardens, city gardens, rock gardens, succulent gardens, or Mediterranean gardens. Ideal as an accent plant in sunny borders or in decorative containers.
  • Plant away from foot traffic: the needle-sharp spines on the leaf tips can be a hazard to humans and pets. Don't plant this Agave near paths or walkways
  • Attracts hummingbirds and birds but is deer resistant
  • Virtually disease free. Watch for scale insects.
  • Use caution, safety glasses, long sleeves, long pants, well-covered shoes, and gloves when cutting this plant.
  • Native to coastal northwestern Sonora, Mexico

Agave: Plant Care and Growing Guide

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Requirements

Hardiness 8 – 11
Heat Zones 5 – 12
Climate Zones 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Cactus - Succulents
Plant Family Agave
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm)
Spread 2' – 4' (60cm – 120cm)
Spacing 48" (120cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden

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(c) Gerhard Bock, SucculentsandMore.com

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 8 – 11
Heat Zones 5 – 12
Climate Zones 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Cactus - Succulents
Plant Family Agave
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm)
Spread 2' – 4' (60cm – 120cm)
Spacing 48" (120cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Agave

Guides with Agave

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