Photo of Agave mckelveyana form by Juan Ignacio

Photo by Juan Ignacio

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Agave mckelveyana

Also Known As

  • McKelvey's Agave
  • McKelvey's Century Plant

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

  • H: 1'-2'
  • W: 1'-2'

planting zones

  • 8a-10b

More Options

Agave mckelveyana plant details

Agave mckelveyana is an evergreen cactus / succulent with blue and green foliage. In spring and summer yellow flowers emerge. Features glaucous texture. 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 mckelveyana

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: agavaceae, asparagaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue and green
Mature size: 1 FT - 2 FT - wide, 1 FT - 2 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring and summer
Uses: architectural, border plant, container plant, desert garden, houseplant, infrequent-blooming, monocarpic, rock garden, rosette-forming, spiky, xeric, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Agave mckelveyana

USDA Zones: 8a - 10b
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

Agave mckelveyana is endemic to moderate to high elevations in Arizona and is an extremely cold hardy century plant to zone 6. Its grey-green leaves can be up 12-16 inches long with reddish to black tips and lateral spines. It is solitary or can make occasional pups. Though quite hardy, it is sensitive to overwatering so it must be bone dry through the winter, especially if grown outdoors. In colder zones or to be safe protect indoors in winter.

Gardening facts about Agave mckelveyana plant

How to Grow Agave mckelveyana

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in winter
  • Soil Needs

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

    • heat tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glaucous
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