Alphabetical Plant Listing

Agave macroacantha (Black-Spined Agave)

Black-Spined Agave, Large-Thorned Agave, Agave macroacantha var. latifolia


Agave macroacantha (Black-Spined Agave) is a slow-growing, evergreen succulent forming pretty rosettes of narrow, pale blue-green leaves, armed with small brown teeth along the edges. They are adorned with a stout, dark chestnut brown, terminal spine. While infrequent, mature plants (over 15 years) flower only once. They are topped with a magnificent flowering spike that can reach 6 ft. (180 cm), and bears dense clusters of purple-tinged green flowers. The flowering rosette dies after flowering, but new rosettes formed by offsets will root at the base of the mother rosette forming a lovely architectural clump.

  • Grows up to 1-2 ft. tall (30-60 cm) and 2-4 ft. wide (60-120 cm). May reach 6 ft. (180 cm) with flower stalk.
  • Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
  • Easily grown in slightly acidic, sandy, or gravelly, well-drained soils in full sun. Will appreciate some shade in very hot areas. Water freely in summer, giving a low-nitrogen feed three or four times. Water less in autumn and keep dry in winter. Although drought tolerant, this plant will benefit from supplemental water in the heat of summer.
  • Great for beds and borders, 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
  • Virtually disease free. Watch for scale insects.
  • Propagate by seed, or remove offsets
  • Native to Mexico

Agave: Plant Care and Growing Guide

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Requirements

Hardiness 8 – 11
Heat Zones 4 – 11
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' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spread 2' – 4' (60cm – 120cm)
Spacing 48" (120cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden

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Great Plant Combination Ideas with Agave

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R. Maximiliane, shutterstock, (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 4 – 11
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' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spread 2' – 4' (60cm – 120cm)
Spacing 48" (120cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Agave

Guides with Agave

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