Agave nickelsiae (King of the Agaves)

An unforgettable sight, Agave nickelsiae, formerly known as Agave ferdinandi-regis, is an evergreen, perennial succulent forming a striking, compact rosette of stout, smooth, 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 old) 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