Agave is a very broad genus with several species that are used in making different types of clear alcohols. The rest of them are generally used as ornamentals, and some are used as sound breaks.
Because of their size and color, they are attractive desert fences and beautiful accents to any home.
Jump to:
- 1. Kissho Kan
- 2. Porcupine Century Plant
- 3. Rancho Tambor Agave
- 4. Clark Mountain Agave
- 5. Caribbean Agave
- 6. Artichoke Agave
- 7. Agave lophantha
- 8. Rum Runner
- 9. Blue Agave
- 10. Blue Glow
- 11. White Rhino
- 12. Thread Leaf Agave
- 13. Fireball Agave
- 14. Desert Diamond
- 15. Red Hedgehog
- 16. Whales Tongue
- 17. Ripple Effect
- 18. Ray of Light, Fox Tail Agave
- 19. Chunky Monkey
- 20. Limestreak
- 21. Snow Glow
- 22. Agave horrida
- 23. Blue Ribbon
1. Kissho Kan
Buy it from:
| Maximum Height | 2 feet |
| Maximum Width | 2 feet |
| Watering Needs | Supplemental or when showing stress |
| Soil Needs | Loamy and well-draining |
| Light Needs | Full sun |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 9 and up |
| Bloom Color | Gold-yellow |
| Bloom Type | Death Bloom |
| Leaf Type | Broad spatula-like with terminal spine |
| Growth Type | Upward Reaching Rosette |
Agavae potatorum or Butterfly agave, is a splendid representative of the genus with broad leaves that can be variegated. The spines are maroon and very sharp. The margins can either stay maroon alongside the teeth and become darker over time or turn to a creamy yellow.
2. Porcupine Century Plant
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| Maximum Height | 2 feet |
| Maximum Width | 3 feet |
| Watering Needs | Supplemental or when showing stress |
| Soil Needs | Loamy and well-draining |
| Light Needs | Full Sun |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 7 and up |
| Bloom Color | Yellowish cream |
| Bloom Type | Death Bloom |
| Leaf Type | Sharply pointed and serrated; fleshy and lance shaped |
| Growth Type | Upward reaching rosette |
One of the more regal-looking agave plants, Agave victoriae-reginae var. Porcupine has thick and fleshy leaves with beautiful white markings that can sometimes create a sort of water pattern. The papery margins are lined in white serrations, and there are also white lines that add additional elegance. Like many agaves, this species has terminal spines that can be very painful, especially in older plants.
3. Rancho Tambor Agave
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| Maximum Height | 2 feet |
| Maximum Width | 3 feet |
| Watering Needs | Supplemental or when showing stress |
| Soil Needs | Loamy and well-draining |
| Light Needs | Full Sun |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 6 and up |
| Bloom Color | Yellow |
| Bloom Type | Death Bloom |
| Leaf Type | Massive spade-like leaves with sharp teeth. |
| Growth Type | Broad rosette with few leaves |
Agave titanota is an interesting species that comes from an area near Oaxaca called Rancho Tambor. The leaves are extremely broad, with the widest measuring at five inches across. Leaves alternate in their rosette shape and seem to fall from the center outwards.
4. Clark Mountain Agave
| Maximum Height | 10 inches |
| Maximum Width | 2 feet |
| Watering Needs | Supplemental or when showing stress |
| Soil Needs | Loamy and well-draining |
| Light Needs | Full Sun |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 7 and up |
| Bloom Color | Yellow |
| Bloom Type | Death Bloom with 13-foot flowering stalks |
| Leaf Type | Evenly spaced and grass-like teeth along the margins; triangular shape that reaches out and up. |
| Growth Type | Slow growing rosette |
Agave utahensis var. nevadensis is a rare variety of agave as it comes from a very small area in and around the Mojave desert. This variant isn’t endangered and is a favorite among horticulturists because of its hardiness and slow growth. In direct sun, this species is a beautiful lime green with dark brown terminal spines that can sometimes mutate into a corkscrew shape.
5. Caribbean Agave
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| Maximum Height | 5 feet |
| Maximum Width | 6 feet |
| Watering Needs | Supplemental or when showing stress |
| Soil Needs | Loamy and well-draining |
| Light Needs | Full Sun |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 9 and up |
| Bloom Color | Yellow |
| Bloom Type | Death Bloom with up to 16-foot flowering stalk |
| Leaf Type | Sword-shaped with terminal spine; curved teeth along the margins |
| Growth Type | Slow growing rosette |
Agave angustifolia reminds you of sunny shores and beachy vibes with its slightly blue color thanks to farina that coats the leaves. The general appearance of the sword-like leaves is variegated with creamy yellow margins and white or brown terminal spines. However, keep in mind that there can be a great deal of variation within this species.
6. Artichoke Agave
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| Maximum Height | 2 feet |
| Maximum Width | 3 feet |
| Watering Needs | Supplemental or when showing stress |
| Soil Needs | Sand |
| Light Needs | Full Sun |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 6 and up |
| Bloom Color | Yellow |
| Bloom Type | Death Bloom with 20-foot flowering stalks |
| Leaf Type | Broad and spoon like with black terminal spines and some black teeth along the margins |
| Growth Type | Symmetrical Rosettes that produces pups |
Also known as Agave parryi var. truncata, or Parry’s agave, is a very uniform species. It looks like giant artichokes that pack together; however, their color is far from artichoke green. Instead, the Artichoke agave is a light blue that can sometimes appear yellow towards the tips of young leaves.
7. Agave lophantha
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| Maximum Height | 18 inches |
| Maximum Width | 2 feet |
| Watering Needs | Weekly watering during the summer, keep drier during the winter |
| Soil Needs | Loamy and well-draining |
| Light Needs | Full Sun |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 8 and above |
| Bloom Color | Yellow |
| Bloom Type | Death Bloom |
| Leaf Type | Linear that transitions to oval with a terminal spine. Red teeth along the edges |
| Growth Type | Wide open rosette |
Quadricolor is a beautiful species of agave that rightfully earns its name with the four colors that spread across its leaves. The centers are more of lime green, which transitions to a dark green, then misty green, and finally, the margins are a bright yellow color. This is an evergreen plant which means you will see this coloration throughout the year.
8. Rum Runner
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| Maximum Height | 10 inches |
| Maximum Width | 10 inches |
| Watering Needs | Supplemental or when showing stress |
| Soil Needs | Loamy and well-draining |
| Light Needs | Full Sun |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 9 and up |
| Bloom Color | Yellow |
| Bloom Type | Death Bloom |
| Leaf Type | Broad and spoon-like with toothed margins and terminal spine |
| Growth Type | Easily offsetting rosette |
Agave isthmensis, otherwise known as Rum Runner, is strikingly variegated. The majority of the leaves are yellow with dark green margins that follow the spoon shape of the leaves. This makes each leaf seem more spoon like and it also gives the illusion of curved leaves.
9. Blue Agave
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| Maximum Height | 7 feet |
| Maximum Width | 7 feet |
| Watering Needs | Supplemental or when showing stress |
| Soil Needs | Loamy and well-draining |
| Light Needs | Full Sun |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 10 and up |
| Bloom Color | Yellow, red, or green |
| Bloom Type | Death Bloom, 30-foot blooming stalks |
| Leaf Type | Large sword-like leaves with very sharp terminal spines and dangerous teeth |
| Growth Type | Slow-growing open rosette |
Agave tequiliana is one of the most famous agave plants around. This species is generally where we get spirits such as tequila and mezcal from. Blue Agave isn’t just for distilleries: they are massive, striking, and like their name suggests, a beautiful periwinkle blue. It is not suggested to have this plant around children as it can cause injury because the terminal spines are very sharp and dangerous.
10. Blue Glow
Buy it from:
| Maximum Height | 2 feet |
| Maximum Width | 3 feet |
| Watering Needs | Supplemental or when showing stress |
| Soil Needs | Loamy and well-draining |
| Light Needs | Full Sun |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 9 and up |
| Bloom Color | Yellow |
| Bloom Type | Death Bloom |
| Leaf Type | Broad spade-like leaves that taper to a terminal spine. |
| Growth Type | Solitary rosette with pups after death bloom |
As a hybrid of Agave attenuata and A. ocahui, Blue Glow takes on the best characteristics of its parents. The deep blue of the leaves seems to come alive with the sunset variegation that fades to orange-red margins. Technically, they are variegated but very thinly. At times, this variant can have pronounced watermarks which adds to the glowing effect of the leaves.
11. White Rhino
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| Maximum Height | 12 inches |
| Maximum Width | 2 feet |
| Watering Needs | Supplemental or when showing stress |
| Soil Needs | Loamy and well-draining |
| Light Needs | Full Sun |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 9 and up |
| Bloom Color | Yellow-green |
| Bloom Type | Death Bloom |
| Leaf Type | Sharp triangular leaves with spineless margins. Some small terminal spikes may form. |
| Growth Type | Open and alternating rosette |
Yet another stunning variant, Agave victoriae-reginae var. Albomarginata shows the same characteristic fleshy leaves with white margins. However, the vast majority of each leaf is white rather than green. A deep emerald green line runs through the center of each leaf, but the rest of the leaf is white!
12. Thread Leaf Agave
Buy it from:
| Maximum Height | 2 feet |
| Maximum Width | 3 feet |
| Watering Needs | Supplemental or when showing stress |
| Soil Needs | Loamy and well-draining |
| Light Needs | Full Sun |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 8 and up |
| Bloom Color | Pinkish Purple |
| Bloom Type | Death bloom, 8 ft blooming stalk |
| Leaf Type | Thin sword-shaped leaves with spiked margins; spikes are often grassy and hair-like |
| Growth Type | Single rosette that dies off to form several pups |
Agave filifera is one of the more interesting types of succulents. Thanks to the hairy spines that sprout along the margins, this agave tends to take on a more delicate look. The leaves are dark green, comparatively speaking to other species. Some variants will show more variegation with white margins, however, don’t always expect dramatic white lines along the margins.
13. Fireball Agave
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| Maximum Height | 2 feet |
| Maximum Width | 2 feet |
| Watering Needs | Supplemental or when showing stress |
| Soil Needs | Loamy and well-draining |
| Light Needs | Full Sun |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 8 and up |
| Bloom Color | Orange-yellow |
| Bloom Type | Death Bloom |
| Leaf Type | Broad leaves that are shaped like a spade; margins are spined and leaves end in a terminal spine |
| Growth Type | Compact rosette that has pups after death bloom |
Agave parrasana, or Variegated Cabbage Head Agave, is one of those species that’s hard to get a hold of. With extremely broad leaves and beautiful variegation of yellows and greens, it’s a species that is hard to keep in stock. As the rosette opens, the broad leaves show off beautiful variegation.
14. Desert Diamond
Buy it from:
| Maximum Height | 15 inches |
| Maximum Width | 18 inches |
| Watering Needs | Supplemental or when showing stress |
| Soil Needs | Loamy and well-draining |
| Light Needs | Full Sun |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 9 and up |
| Bloom Color | Yellow |
| Bloom Type | Death bloom |
| Leaf Type | Slightly pronounced spatula-shaped leaves; margins have spines spaced evenly along the leaves |
| Growth Type | Symmetrical rosette |
Another Agave potatorium variant, this species is well known for its beautifully symmetrical rosettes and variegated leaves. The spines start off as a brighter yellow but mature to a reddish brown that accents the thick lemon-lime green margins.
15. Red Hedgehog
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| Maximum Height | 2 feet |
| Maximum Width | 4 feet |
| Watering Needs | Supplemental or when showing stress |
| Soil Needs | Loamy and well-draining |
| Light Needs | Full Sun |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 9 and up |
| Bloom Color | Green to purple |
| Bloom Type | Death Bloom |
| Leaf Type | Linear and cylindrical |
| Growth Type | Open perfect rosette with many offsets |
Agave stricta rubra is one of those species whose showy colors make it one of the most attractive species of the hedgehog variety. The leaves tend to stay a rustic red, and they grow in a cylindrical shape. There are some terminal spines, but they aren’t as pronounced as other species.
16. Whales Tongue
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| Maximum Height | 5 feet |
| Maximum Width | 7 feet |
| Watering Needs | Supplemental or when showing stress |
| Soil Needs | Loamy and well-draining |
| Light Needs | Full Sun |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 7 and up |
| Bloom Color | Greenish-yellow |
| Bloom Type | Death Bloom, 14-foot blooming stalk |
| Leaf Type | Broad tongue-shaped leaves that end in terminal spines; margins are slightly serrated with thick spines. |
| Growth Type | Solitary rosette |
If you have ever seen a whale’s tongue, then it is easy to see why this species earned its name. Its species name is agave ovatifolia and the leaves are a light fleshy blue, and they are absolutely massive. Literally, they take on the shape of a whale’s tongue, which gives them a very attractive, wide, and symmetrical rosette.
17. Ripple Effect
| Maximum Height | 14 inches |
| Maximum Width | 20 inches |
| Watering Needs | Supplemental or when showing stress |
| Soil Needs | Loamy and well-draining |
| Light Needs | Full Sun |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 9 and up |
| Bloom Color | Cream yellow to greenish yellow |
| Bloom Type | Death bloom |
| Leaf Type | Spoon-like with exaggerated spines that turn brownish/black; ends in terminal spines |
| Growth Type | Semi-symmetrical rosette |
This variant that is also known as the Hardy Century Plant, gives Rum Runner a run for its money. A central line of dark green takes over the middle but fades to a buttery yellow. This is a very hardy species that do well with full sun exposure and offsets after producing a death bloom.
18. Ray of Light, Fox Tail Agave
Buy it from:
| Maximum Height | 4 feet |
| Maximum Width | 4 feet |
| Watering Needs | Supplemental or when showing stress |
| Soil Needs | Loamy and well-draining |
| Light Needs | Full Sun |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 9 and up |
| Bloom Color | Pale green |
| Bloom Type | 10 foot death bloom |
| Leaf Type | Lance-shaped leaves with pronounced variegation; ends in the terminal spine. |
| Growth Type | Open Rosette |
Agave attenuata is such a lovely species with blooming stalks that sweep like a fox’s tail. The leaves themselves are variegated with thick bands of dark green in the center that fades to a lighter lime green and terminates in a buttery yellow. The rosettes look like opening daisy flowers which give another lead to their bright name.
19. Chunky Monkey
Buy it from:
| Maximum Height | 4 feet |
| Maximum Width | 5 feet |
| Watering Needs | Supplemental or when showing stress |
| Soil Needs | Loamy and well-draining |
| Light Needs | Full Sun |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 8 and up |
| Bloom Color | Yellow |
| Bloom Type | 15-foot death bloom |
| Leaf Type | Thick-keeled leaves with tongue-like shape; margins are spined and end in a sharp terminal spine. |
| Growth Type | Upward reaching rosette |
This species is commonly considered to be an Agave parassana and A. salmiana hybrid. The name was coined by the breeder, Brian Kemble, and the name stayed with the plant. The leaves are a lighter green with gorgeous water spots. At times the leaves look like an hourglass shape thanks to the keeled bases and the sheer size of the three-foot leaves!
20. Limestreak
Buy it from:
| Maximum Height | 2 feet |
| Maximum Width | 3 feet |
| Watering Needs | Supplemental or when showing stress |
| Soil Needs | Loamy and well-draining |
| Light Needs | Full Sun |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 8 and up |
| Bloom Color | Yellow to yellow-green |
| Bloom Type | Death Bloom |
| Leaf Type | Spoon-shaped with equally spaced spines along the margins; ends in terminal spine |
| Growth Type | Broad rosette |
Another Agave parryi truncata variant, Lime Streak, or Limestreak, has earned its name thanks to intensely green leaves with lime streaks that go along the margins and sometimes into the center of the leaves. The slight spoon and hourglass combination of the leaves gives an interesting texture which also highlights the thicker leaves.
21. Snow Glow
Buy it from:
| Maximum Height | 24 inches |
| Maximum Width | 36 inches |
| Watering Needs | Supplemental or when showing stress |
| Soil Needs | Loamy and well-draining |
| Light Needs | Full Sun |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 8 and up |
| Bloom Color | Yellowish Green |
| Bloom Type | Death Bloom |
| Leaf Type | Linear leaves that end In a terminal spine; no spines along the margins. |
| Growth Type | Open Rosette |
A variation on Blue Glow, Snow Glow Century Plant has a thicker coating of farina but maintains the same variegation. While it doesn’t have as much of a blue undertone as Blue Glow, the leaves still stand out. With green centers, yellow along the margin, and deep cinnamon-red margins, the same glow effect is still there.
22. Agave horrida
Buy it from:
| Maximum Height | 2 feet |
| Maximum Width | 3 feet |
| Watering Needs | Supplemental or when showing stress |
| Soil Needs | Loamy and well-draining |
| Light Needs | Full Sun |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 9 and up |
| Bloom Color | Yellow to green |
| Bloom Type | 5-foot unbranched blooming stalk |
| Leaf Type | Linear to spoon shape; margins are lined in teeth and end in a terminal spine. |
| Growth Type | Symmetrical rosette |
Otherwise known as Mexcalmetl, A. horrida is a species that definitely looks intimidating. The leaves are solid green with more of a lime color towards the base. With white margins and sharp teeth, it’s easy to see why this species has to be handled with care. This is a species of agave that is also used to brew an alcoholic drink called Mexcalli.
23. Blue Ribbon
Buy it from:
| Maximum Height | 2 feet |
| Maximum Width | 12 inches |
| Watering Needs | Supplemental or when showing stress |
| Soil Needs | Loamy and well-draining |
| Light Needs | Full Sun |
| Hardiness Zone(s) | Zone 9 and up |
| Bloom Color | Green |
| Bloom Type | Death bloom |
| Leaf Type | Lance shaped with cinnamon spines along the margins; ends in a terminal black spine |
| Growth Type | Clumping rosettes |
Agave macroacantha, also known as the small black-spined agave, is a stunning addition to any garden. The leaves are a bright green to light blue, and the spines along the margins can start off reddish but fade to black. This is where this species gets its name. The Blue Ribbon name comes from the more blue variations and the shape of the leaves.