New Mexico Agave

Agave neomexicana is widely considered one of the hardiest Agave species, making it a premier choice for adventurous UK gardeners. It forms a symmetrical, globose rosette of thick, silver-grey leaves tipped with long, dark terminal spines and sharp marginal teeth. In its native habitat, it grows at high altitudes, giving it an impressive hardiness rating of H4 or even H5 if kept perfectly dry during the winter. It is a slow grower, eventually reaching about 40-50cm in diameter. While it rarely flowers in the UK, the architectural foliage provides year-round impact. To succeed with this plant in Britain, it must be planted in a very gritty, free-draining substrate, ideally on a slope or in a raised bed to avoid water pooling around the neck. Winter protection with a rain shelter is highly recommended in wetter regions to preserve its pristine appearance.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Gravel or very gritty mineral soil.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul.