Agave Americana

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

3-6 Feet

Mature Spread

6-10 Feet

Growing Zones

8 to 11

Agave americana makes a bold, sculptural statement wherever you plant it. Massive blue-green leaves form a striking rosette with strong lines and dramatic presence. Built for heat and drought, it delivers high impact with almost no fuss.

Use it to anchor gravel beds, modern courtyards, or sunbaked containers. The architectural form pairs beautifully with ornamental grasses and dark pottery, bringing instant desert style to patios and entryways.

Agave americana Care

Give 6–10 hours of direct sun. Plant in fast-draining, gritty soil (cactus/succulent mix or sandy loam) with a pH around 6.0–7.8; avoid water-retentive clay unless heavily amended with coarse material. Water deeply but infrequently—outdoors every 3–4 weeks in hot weather and rarely in cool seasons; in containers, water only when the mix is completely dry. Do not allow water to pool at the crown.

Feed lightly once in spring with a low-nitrogen cactus fertilizer; skip additional feeding. Remove spent or damaged leaves with gloves and eye protection. Hardy to about 15–20°F; best in USDA zones 8–11. Monocarpic: the rosette blooms once after many years, then dies, typically leaving offsets (pups) you can replant. Caution: sharp terminal spines and serrated leaf edges—site away from play areas and high-traffic paths.

Agave americana Spacing

For a specimen, allow 6–8 feet of horizontal clearance from walls, walks, and other plants to showcase the rosette at maturity. For mass plantings, space 5–6 feet on center.

Keep at least 4 feet from paths and seating to avoid accidental contact. In containers, start with an 18–24 inch pot with generous drainage holes; size up to 24–30 inches as roots fill. Elevate pots on risers or feet to prevent waterlogging.

Why Grow Agave americana?

• Iconic, blue-green rosette with commanding, architectural form
• Extremely drought and heat tolerant; thrives on minimal care
• Outstanding focal point for xeriscapes and modern containers
• Naturally deer and rabbit resistant; offsets provide easy propagation

Add monumental desert character with a plant that practically cares for itself. Agave americana rewards sunny sites and lean soils with sculptural beauty that turns heads year after year.