Agave havardiana (Harvard Agave)

Extremely cold-hardy, Agave havardiana (Havard Agave) is an evergreen, perennial succulent forming a tight rosette of fleshy, broad, cupped, silver-gray leaves. Adding an attractive texture and interest year-round, the leaves are heavily lined with dark brown teeth along their margins and tipped with a wickedly sharp black terminal spine. Mature plants (over 10 years) flower only once. They are topped with magnificent flowering spikes that can reach 10 ft. (3m), and bear clusters of fragrant golden flowers, which are attractive to hummingbirds. The flowering rosette dies after flowering. While this Agave is usually solitary, it may produce offsets.

• Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and 3-4 ft. wide (90-120 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. This species is far more tolerant of cold and wet than most species and can often be grown outside in the full sun in sharply drained, stony, or sandy, dry soil.
• 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.
• Propagate by seed in early spring, or by division of offsets in spring or autumn
• Use caution, safety glasses, long sleeves, long pants, well-covered shoes, and gloves when cutting this plant.
• Native to SW Texas to Mexico