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Photo by Stan Shebs

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Agave gentryi

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

H: 3'-5'
W: 3'-5'

planting zones

8a-11

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Agave gentryi plant details

Agave gentryi is an evergreen cactus / succulent with blue and green foliage. In spring and summer cream flowers emerge. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be 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 gentryi

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: agavaceae, asparagaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue and green
Mature size: 3 FT - 5 FT - wide, 3 FT - 5 FT - tall
Flowers: cream blooms in spring and summer
Uses: architectural, container plant, desert garden, rock garden, rosette-forming, spiky, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Agave gentryi

USDA Zones: 8a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly 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

A mountaintop species, fairly widespread in northeastern Mexico but seldom seen....because it grows on mountaintops. We first spotted this plant,via binoculars, in what appeared as utility poles,one growing above even the nearby oaks and pines. These were, indeed, the red stems of the over 15-18 ft flowers stalks! Though sharing habitat at its lower elevations and creating wonderful hybrid forms, the typical species grows into shiny deep-green rosettes, each individual measuring 6 ft+ before sending up enormous flower stalks. Another resilient species, tolerant of dappled shade where winters are not too wet and loving ample moisture with good drainage. Has proven hardy to even a few degrees below 0F but would suggest overhead coverage at those temperatures. Possibly the largest very hardy agave.