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Agave scabra

Also Known As

  • Agave asperrima
  • Agave caeciliana
  • Rough Agave

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

  • H: 3'-5'
  • W: 3'-5'

planting zones

  • 8b-11

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Agave scabra plant details

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

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

GROWING CONDITIONS for Agave scabra

USDA Zones: 8b - 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

Rough agave is so named because of the rough texture to the undersides of the leaves. It is closely related and similar in appearance to A. americana but hardier when obtained from high elevation areas of its range. Good winter drainage is essential.
Takes reflected heat. Full Sun. 20' tall stalk bearing yellow flowers. Outdoor.

By: Moon - Sun Cactus & Koi Gardens

Native to north central Mexico and into west Texas, this very rough-leaved and silver-blue species can grow to 3-4', with long, upward-pointing, narrow leaves. Eventually offsets to form clumps. Quite tolerant of summer monsoons, plants require well-drained soil, especially where winters are wet. Our plants represent seedlings from northern colonies where temperatures of 0 °F, USDA zone 7, are not uncommon. One of the hardiest of the large agaves. Can also be found as Manfreda scabra.

Gardening facts about Agave scabra plant

How to Grow Agave scabra

  • Sun Exposure

    • 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

    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
    • spring
  • 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
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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
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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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