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 |
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 |