Publication: Agave Fam. Sonora 126, fig. 48-50. 1972 et in: in U.S. Dep. Agric., Agric. (USDA) Handb. no. 399
Description
Fast growing medium size agave to 90-120 cm tall and in diameter.
Leaves: Long recurved grey, characteristically “V” shaped in cross section with prominent teeth along the margin and beautifully cross-barred with broad bands of silvery green. . The bands become more pronounced in full sun.
Origin and Habitat
Comes from dry rocky locations of northwestern Sonora, Mexico in the Sierra del Viejo and the adjoining Sierra Aquituni Mountains.
Cultivation and Propagation
It is a stunning specimen plant for containers or a well drained spot in the garden. It tend to be slow grower, but worth the effort. Grow it in porous soil with adequate drainage. Itdo well in full sun or a lightly shaded area. Water thoroughly when soil is dry to the touch. In winter watering this plant can be done once every 1-2 months, there is no need to mist the leaves. It is theoretically hardy to -3° C, particularly when dry but it is best to avoid severe freezing temperatures. Heat Tolerance: good.
Propagation: Relatively easy to propagate by seeds or by suckers (if available) Remove the basal suckers in spring or summer and let the cuttings dry for a few days before inserting in compost.. only problem is the logistics of getting to the suckers - very sharp spines and suckers usually right up against, or underneath the mother plant.
Uses: These striking plants are wonderful when used for accent or simply to provide some all year round foliage colour and often used in a pot as a patio plant, they make an eye-catching statement and along with other evergreen plants in pots, can be moved around to change the scenery or position to give more shelter.