Mountain Agave

Agave montana is a striking, architectural succulent native to high altitudes in Mexico, making it surprisingly resilient in the UK climate. It forms a massive, single rosette of broad, fleshy, apple-green leaves, each finished with a sharp cinnamon-brown terminal spine and distinct reddish-brown teeth along the margins. Unlike many other agaves, it can tolerate the cooler, wetter winters of the UK if provided with excellent drainage. It is often described as one of the most beautiful agaves due to the 'bud imprints' left on the leaves as they unfurl. While it eventually produces a tall flower spike after many years, the plant is typically monocarpic, dying after flowering. It requires a sunny, sheltered spot, preferably in a gravel garden or a large pot that can be moved undercover during prolonged periods of excessive winter wet to prevent crown rot.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Grit-heavy, sharply drained soil.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul.