Agave bracteosa (Squid Agave)

Slow-growing and cold-hardy, Agave bracteosa (Squid Agave) is a small evergreen succulent adding great interest in the landscape. It forms a graceful urn-shaped rosette of up to 20 slender, pale green, toothless leaves that arch and twist, resembling the tentacles of a squid.

Slow-growing and cold-hardy, Agave bracteosa (Squid Agave) is a small evergreen succulent adding great interest in the landscape. It forms a graceful urn-shaped rosette of up to 20 slender, pale green, toothless leaves that arch and twist, resembling the tentacles of a squid. They grow upright and curl back towards the outside of the plant. Resembling a bottle brush, densely packed, creamy-white flowers appear atop a 4-8 ft. spike (120-240 cm) on mature plants. Unlike most Agaves, Agave bracteosa does not always die after blooming. It suckers readily to gradually form a dense colony, ensuring a continuing presence in the garden. Incredibly hardy to 8ºF (-13ºC), as long as the plant is kept dry in winter, Agave bracteosa is perfect for patio containers or small planting spaces.

  • Grows up to 12 in. tall (30 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (45-60 cm).
  • Easily grown in sandy or gravelly, well-drained soils in full sun or light shade. Drought tolerant once established.
  • Great for beds and borders, rock gardens, succulent gardens, or Mediterranean gardens. Ideal as an accent plant in sunny borders or in decorative containers.
  • Deer resistant. The flowers produce nectar and are attractive to birds and hummingbirds
  • Virtually disease free. Watch for scale insects.
  • Native to Mexico

Requirements

Hardiness 7
– 11

Climate Zones 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Cactus – Succulents
Plant Family Agave
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 10"
– 1'
(25cm
– 30cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 24″ (60cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Drought
Attracts Birds, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden