Agave shawii (Shaw’s Agave)

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