American agave
Manfreda virginica
USDA zones6 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to moderate soil
Size3 to 6 feet tall3 to 4 feet wide
- Habit
- Cactus/succulent
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Yellow-green
- Foliage color
- Green with or without spots
Notes
American agave (Manfreda virginica) is a perennial for rock gardens, dry borders, and architectural accents. It is hardy to USDA zone 6, or down to -10°F (-23°C). This plant likes full or part sun and dry to average soil. Thick, leathery leaves form a basal rosette, and a tall upright stalk rises from the center. Greenish-white tubular flowers with showy stamens open in a spike-like cluster, and sphinx moths pollinate them.
Pairs well with Fountain grass, Goldenrod, and Pink.
Native range
Southern United States and Mexico.