Photo of Agave desmettiana form by Stan Shebs

Photo by Stan Shebs

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Agave desmettiana

Also Known As

  • Agave desmetiana
  • Dwarf Agave
  • Smooth Agave

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

  • H: 30"-36"
  • W: 36"-48"

planting zones

  • 9a-11

More Options

Agave desmettiana plant details

Agave desmettiana is an evergreen cactus / succulent with green foliage. In summer chartreuse flowers emerge followed by green fruit. Grows well with sun - dappled shade and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in winter. Does well in gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Agave desmettiana

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: agavaceae, asparagaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 36 IN - 48 IN - wide, 30 IN - 36 IN - tall
Flowers: chartreuse blooms in summer
Uses: architectural, container plant, desert garden, rock garden, rosette-forming, spiky, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Agave desmettiana

USDA Zones: 9a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - dappled shade
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Semi-hardy, may need protection in winter. Partial to Full Shade. The Pale Yellow Flowers are organized in a 8 to 10 feet tall panicle. Outdoor/Indoor.

By: Moon - Sun Cactus & Koi Gardens

Green leaves with vigorous points, vase-shaped to 36"h. Hardy to 28 °F.

Gardening facts about Agave desmettiana plant

How to Grow Agave desmettiana

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - dappled shade
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in winter
  • Soil Needs

    • lean
    • well-drained
    • rocky
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • chartreuse
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Fruit

    • green
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen

See other plant types of Agave for your garden

aka Agave americana 'Cornelius', Agave americana 'Marginata Aurea Monstrosa', Agave americana aureo-marginata, Agave americana aureo-marginata 'Cornelius'

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 1'-2'

Width: 2'-4'

  • sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in winter
  • dry when dormant
Photo of Agave 'Cornelius' foliage by Dry Oasis Plants
View Plant

More Options

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

7b-10b

Size

Height: 2'-4'

Width: 3'-6'

  • sun - dappled shade
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in winter
  • dry when dormant
Photo of Agave gentryi 'Jaws' foliage by Karl Gercens III
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aka Agave montana 'Baccarat', Mountain Agave

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 1'-2'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
  • dry in winter
Photo of Agave 'Baccarat' by Danger Garden
View Plant

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aka Agave aff. parryi var. couesii, Agave couesii, Agave parryi couesii, Agave parryi ssp. couesii

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

6a-10b

Size

Height: 18"-36"

Width: 24"-48"

  • sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in winter
Photo of Agave parryi var. couesii foliage by Cistus Nursery
View Plant

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aka Agave wislizenni, Cabbage Head Agave

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

7b-10b

Size

Height: 1'-2'

Width: 1'-2'

  • sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in winter
Photo of Agave parrasana flower, form by Cistus Nursery
View Plant

More Options

+343 more Agave
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