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 |
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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 |