Description
It is an improved variegated form of Agave gypsophila reaching a height and spread of 1m.
Unlike the more common agaves the striking thing about this plant is the wavy spined leaves
It is a smaller Agave and is typically solitary in habitat. But, the suckering ones are the forms most propagated and sold, obviously, as they are the easy ones to make more of. So most plants in captivity are prolific offsetters, despite that being a rare characteristic of this agave in the wild.
Leaves: Somewhat soft, like Agave attenuata, blue-grey with an ivory edge when grown in full sun. If grown in the shade it will have a greenish tinge. The leaves are wavy, curling with soft marginal spines and there is a terminal spine at the tip of the leaf, but not as intimidating a terminal spine as many Agaves.
Flowers: In optimal conditions it will flower after 4-6 years with a panicle of golden flowers reaching 3-4 meters in height.
Origin and Habitat
The ‘Ivory Curls’ is a nursery produced cultivar. It originated in Australia, South East Queensland at the nursery of well know plantsman Stan Walkley.
Cultivation and Propagation
This plant is frost tender and should be protected when overnight temperatures drop under 0 ° C. Frost disfigures the plant, although it may survive in much lower temperatures.
Like most agave it’s a very good container plant. It’s pretty slow growing and seems to like water more than most Agaves.
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