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Agave Americana

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Dear Craig:

I am awe‑struck by agaves. Coming from the East Coast, I never realized that agaves could be so fascinating. They are striking and I just can’t believe that there are so many types. What can you tell me about them?

Nadine in Peoria

Dear Nadine:

What a great subject, agaves. This is a wonderful plant that adds so much drama to the southwest landscape. First of all, let me tell you that agaves will live longer if you water them properly. Over‑watering causes them to grow much faster and it shortens their life by up to two‑thirds. If watered too frequently, the “century plant” that can live up to thirty years may bloom within ten years. (Agaves are monocarpic, which means they flower once before dying.)

Excessive watering can also weaken the plant and make it susceptible to the snout weevil. This little creature lays its egg in the base of the agaves and its larva consumes the interior fibers. It is hard to know if you have this bug until it’s too late. The signs are wilting leaves and a moveable center. To prevent this pest, use a systemic pesticide commonly found at many garden centers.

Proper watering is done on intervals of one time per month during the winter, one time per 20 days in the spring and fall, and once a week in the summer. If you follow these guidelines, you should have long lasting, healthy agaves.

Now, let’s talk character. Many agave leaves have intricate designs left by the previous leaf causing compression and leaving an imprint. There are many types of agaves that range from six inches in diameter to ten feet in height and diameter.

Choosing the right one for the right location is very important. For example, the agave Americana can grow to twelve feet in height with a spread of up to eight feet. In comparison, the agave Victoria Regina, with its beautiful artichoke shape, might reach two feet in diameter with a two foot spread in twenty years. This agave is one that requires filtered light or shade here in the Southwest.

There are several great choices for the southwest landscape. One of my favorites is the agave attenuate, which is soft in texture and has no sharp thorns along its edges. In general, the most common types used in our landscapes are agave murphyii, agave vilmoriniana, (or Octopus agave), agave parryi, the agave Victoria Regina, and of course, the agave Americana.

Agaves have a range of uses. Rope can be made from the agave Sissilana, tequila from the agave Tequiliana, mescal from the agave Colorada; and some agaves have been roasted for food.

Agaves tips, or the hard spine reaching the end of the leaf, can be painful if you happen to get punctured. Much of the pain comes from a small amount of bacteria growing there. Since I have greyhounds for pets, I give my agaves a bit of a trim similar to trimming a fingernail. Make sure you don’t trim the sharp tip more than one quarter of its length; otherwise you may damage the leaf. Agaves are a wonderful addition to almost any landscape. A little research can help you choose the perfect agaves for your garden.

Listen to Craig Saturday mornings from 6 to 7 a.m. on KFNX 1100AM talk radio and watch his new TV show, “The Carefree Gardener–With A Little Help From Our Friends” on KPNX‑TV 12, Saturdays from 5 to 6 a.m.

If you have any landscape or garden questions you would like answered, e‑mail your questions to AskCraig@carefreegardens.net or fax your questions to Carefree Gardens “Ask Craig” at (623) 742‑7216. Part articles can be found at www.carefreegardens.net.

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