Agaves are the kind of plants that are easy to fall in love with. Their addictive variety of forms and variegations on top of those bold spikes, can make agaves some of the most eye-catching members of a plant collection. In return, they demand very little, meaning they’re great for any level of experience. Here we share some stunning examples you might see here on the tables in our Greenhouse. Whether you’re looking for your first plant or adding new personality to your growing plant family, we think you’ll enjoy these uniquely handsome agaves.
Agave americana + Agave americana ‘Variegata’
Big, bold, and attention-grabbing – that’s Agave americana. It’s broad, strap-like leaves can grow to five feet long at maturity – but it’s a slow grower, so it’ll be a while if you start with a small one. A smokey, blue-green color and waxy texture give this agave a kind of ethereal quality too. But, if variegation is more your thing, look for A. americana ‘Variegata’ instead. Each of its leaves is bordered lengthwise with a creamy yellow band along the edge.
Agave ‘Blue Glow’
If you like that blue-green color but in a space-saving package, you’ll love Agave ‘Blue Glow.’ Its chalky, blue-green leaves are edged with pronounced red and yellow stripes – and that perfectly round rosette stays a compact one- to two-feet-tall too.
Agave lophantha ‘Quadricolor’
Another stunning variegated agave, A. lophantha ‘Quadricolor’ is a real beauty. Each perfect leaf has broad, cream margins on either side of a central green stripe – giving the plant an alternating striped pattern that looks positively mesmerizing from above. Reddish teeth along the edges add a final colorful detail.
Agave victoriae-reginae
With its short, tightly packed leaves and spherical, perfectly geometric shape, this sweet agave might remind you of an artichoke or maybe a balled-up hedgehog. The thin white edges on each leaf add even more personality.
Agave geminiflora ‘Spaghetti Strap’
This one is certainly different than most agaves with its grass-like form and its lack of aggressive spines. As Agave geminiflora ‘Spaghetti Strap’ grows, these leaves become increasingly dense – until it looks something like a green “koosh” ball.
Find Your Favorite
On the hunt for the next enticing specimen to add to your growing plant collection? Or maybe you’re looking for something unique and easy-care to get started. Agaves are a perfect choice. All they ask for is lots of bright light, good drainage, and a chance to dry out between waterings. And we have several in the Greenhouse to choose from now too. If you have any questions, just ask one of our team members while you’re here – we’re always glad to help.
