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Agave shawii (Shaw’s Agave)

Shaw's Agave, Century Plant Shaw's Agave, Coastal Agave

Agave shawii,Shaw's Agave, Century Plant Shaw's Agave, Coastal Agave, Gray Agave, Drought tolerant plant
Agave shawii,Shaw's Agave, Century Plant Shaw's Agave, Coastal Agave, Gray Agave, Drought tolerant plant
Agave shawii,Shaw's Agave, Century Plant Shaw's Agave, Coastal Agave, Gray Agave, Drought tolerant plant

Particularly stunning when lit by the morning or late afternoon sun, Agave shawii (Coastal Agave) is an evergreen, perennial succulent forming a rosette of fleshy, sword-shaped, green leaves which radiate gracefully from the center of the plant, giving it a neat and rounded shape. They are lined with gray spines, which exhibit coral, gold, pink, or red shades when backlit, adding intriguing beauty. While infrequent, mature plants (over ten years) flower only once. They are topped with a magnificent flowering spike reaching 12 ft. (4m) and bears clusters of yellow flowers. The flowering rosette dies after flowering, but new rosettes formed by offsets will root to form colonies.

  • Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall and wide (60-90 cm).
  • Easily grown in slightly acidic, sandy or gravelly, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates part shade, particularly in hot desert gardens where some shade will prevent scorching of the foliage. Little irrigation is required, and regular summer irrigation is harmful to this plant. Dry soil and drought tolerant.
  • 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.
  • Propagate by offsets.
  • Use caution, safety glasses, long sleeves, long pants, well-covered shoes, and gloves when cutting this plant.
  • Native to Baja California and coastal southern California

Agave: Plant Care and Growing Guide


Agave plants are popular for landscaping because they are rich in many qualities and have a striking architectural appearance. Here are some tips on how to plant and grow agaves successfully

Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 10
Plant Type Cactus & Succulents
Plant Family Asparagaceae
Genus Agave
Common names Agave
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants California, United States
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Birds, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Coastal Garden, City and Courtyard
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Agave tequilana (Blue Agave)
Agave angustifolia var. marginata (Caribbean Agave)
Agave xylonacantha (Saw Leaf Agave)
Agave x leopoldii (Leopold Agave)
Agave vilmoriniana ‘Stained Glass’ (Octopus Agave)
Agave macroacantha (Black-Spined Agave)

Recommended Companion Plants

Aeonium ‘Sunburst’
Senecio mandraliscae (Blue Chalksticks)
Sedum nussbaumerianum (Stonecrop)
Eschscholzia californica (California Poppy)

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Agave: Plant Care and Growing Guide
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.
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Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 10
Plant Type Cactus & Succulents
Plant Family Asparagaceae
Genus Agave
Common names Agave
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants California, United States
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Birds, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Coastal Garden, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Agave
Guides with
Agave
Not sure which Agave to pick?
Compare Now

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