Agave montana (Mountain Agave)

Resembling a large artichoke, Agave montana (Mountain Agave) is an evergreen, perennial succulent forming a rosette of fleshy, broad, upright, apple green leaves with large cinnamon-red teeth along the margins and a stout terminal spine. Adding intriguing beauty, the leaves carry on their lower surfaces the distinct imprints of the thorny leaf margins of the previous outer leaf-bud. While infrequent, mature plants (over 10 years) flower only once. They are topped with a gigantic asparagus shoot, which emerges straight up from the heart and can reach 12 ft. (4m). It bears 20 to 30 short side branches with brilliant yellow flowers tightly packed at their tips. This solitary agave does not produce offshoots or pups. Native of northeastern Mexico, Mountain Agave is very tolerant of cold, heat, drought, and poor soils.

• Grows up to 3-4 ft. tall (90-120 cm) and 4-5 ft. wide (120-150 cm).
• Easily grown in well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates part shade, particularly in hot desert gardens. Regular irrigation required. In habitat this species grows in soil rich in organic matter and covered with a thick layer of pine needles. Good drainage in a gravel-mix substrate suits well.
• Great for beds and borders, 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 of northeastern Mexico