Agave colorata (Mescal Ceniza)

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, 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 watering frequency 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 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