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Agave deserti var. simplex [Cunningham Pass, AZ IB159]

Also Known As

  • Agave deserti ssp. simplex Cunningham Pass, AZ IB159
  • Agave deserti subsp. simplex [IB159]
  • Hardy Century Plant

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

  • H: 15"-20"
  • W: 20"-30"

planting zones

  • 8a-11

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Agave deserti var. simplex [Cunningham Pass, AZ IB159] plant details

Agave deserti var. simplex [Cunningham Pass, AZ IB159] is an evergreen cactus / succulent with blue foliage. Features glaucous texture. Grows well with sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer, dry in winter. Does well in average, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Agave deserti var. simplex [Cunningham Pass, AZ IB159]

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: agavaceae, asparagaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue
Mature size: 20 IN - 30 IN - wide, 15 IN - 20 IN - tall
Uses: architectural, container plant, desert garden, rock garden, rosette-forming, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Agave deserti var. simplex [Cunningham Pass, AZ IB159]

USDA Zones: 8a - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This subspecies differs significantly from subsp. deserti. It is called “simplex” because it is supposedly solitary, forming a more open rosette of silvery grey leaves. Interestingly though, I found a few plants with offsets in the area that I collected it. The rosettes are small, reaching only about 20 - 30” across. It is very attractive, having grey leaves with attractive horizontal banding, but it is still quite rare. Give it good drainage and protection from winter moisture. This collection from near Aguila, AZ can be expected to tolerate temperatures down to about 10 °F. DS.

Gardening facts about Agave deserti var. simplex [Cunningham Pass, AZ IB159] plant

How to Grow Agave deserti var. simplex [Cunningham Pass, AZ IB159]

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in winter
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

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

    • heat tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • blue
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glaucous

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

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