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. 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 |







