Agave nickelsiae (King of the Agaves)

An unforgettable sight, Agave nickelsiae, previously named Agave ferdinandi-regis, is an evergreen, perennial succulent forming a striking compact rosette of stout, smooth and spineless, dark olive green leaves. Each leaf is beautifully adorned with ornamental white bud prints. Lacking teeth along the edges, they instead exhibit narrow white margins and are tipped by a contrasting black terminal spine. Mature plants (over 20 years) flower only once. They are topped with a magnificent flowering spike that can reach 20 ft. (6 m), and bears dense clusters of yellow flowers flushed with purplish-red. Very slow-growing, this distinctive Agave is terrific for sunny borders or containers.

• Grows up to 2 ft. tall (60 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm). May reach 20 ft. (6 m) with flower stalk.
• Easily grown in well-drained soils in full sun. Prefers light shade in hot, low desert areas. Very little to no irrigation required. Drought tolerant once established.
• 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.
• Attracts hummingbirds and birds but is deer resistant
• Virtually disease free. Watch for scale insects.
• Propagate by offsets in spring or fall
• Use caution, safety glasses, long sleeves, long pants, well covered shoes, and gloves when cutting this plant.
• Native to southeastern Coahuila, northeast of Saltillo, Mexico