Alphabetical Plant Listing

Agave utahensis (Utah Agave)

Utah Agave, Grand Canyon Century Plant


Regarded as one of the most cold-tolerant agaves, Agave utahensis (Utah Agave) is a small, evergreen perennial succulent forming rosettes of thick, narrow, upward-curving, spiny-edged, blue-gray leaves with a long dark spine at their tips. Mature plants bloom in late winter, producing clusters of bright yellow flowers arranged along a 6 to 12 ft. tall spike (180-360 cm).

Agave utahensis comprises 3 varieties:

  • Subsp. kaibabensis (Northern Arizona), with bright green leaves and grows solitary. Grows up to 8-24 in. tall (20-60 cm) and 16-40 in. wide (40-100 cm).
  • Var. nevadensis (southeastern California, southern Nevada), with perfectly symmetrical rosettes of intense blue-green leaves and long spines. Grows up to 6-12 in. tall (15-30 cm) and 6-18 in. wide (15-45 cm).
  • Var. eborispina (north of var. nevadensis) with dark green leaves and particularly beautiful and excessively long white terminal spines. Grows up to 6-12 in. tall (15-30 cm) and 6-18 in. wide (15-45 cm).

Both var. nevadensis and var. eborispina will slowly produce little clones around the mother plant, forming congested clusters that look best in rock gardens. Regardless of the variety you choose, Agave utahensis is a very attractive plant.

  • Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
  • Easily grown in rocky, dry, well-drained soils in full sun or part shade. Once established, water only occasionally during the hot season and avoid heavy winter moisture.
  • Great for rock gardens, succulent gardens, or Mediterranean gardens.
  • 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.
  • The mother plant will die after flowering, but offsets will form. Plantlets from flower spike may be replanted
  • Use caution, safety glasses, long sleeves, long pants, well-covered shoes, and gloves when cutting this plant.
  • California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. 

Agave: Plant Care and Growing Guide

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Requirements

Hardiness 6 – 10
Heat Zones 6 – 12
Plant Type Cactus - Succulents
Plant Family Agave
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6" – 2' (15cm – 60cm)
Spread 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, California, Rocky Mountains, Utah, Southwest, Nevada, Arizona
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit
Attracts Birds, Hummingbirds
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden

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Great Plant Combination Ideas with Agave

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(c) Gerhard Bock, SucculentsandMore.com

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.


Requirements

Hardiness 6 – 10
Heat Zones 6 – 12
Plant Type Cactus - Succulents
Plant Family Agave
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6" – 2' (15cm – 60cm)
Spread 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, California, Rocky Mountains, Utah, Southwest, Nevada, Arizona
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit
Attracts Birds, Hummingbirds
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Agave

Guides with Agave

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