whale's tongue agave
Agave ovatifolia
USDA zones7 to 11
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterNeeds dry soil
Size2 to 3 feet tall3 to 4 feet wide
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Yellow-green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Whale's tongue agave (Agave ovatifolia) is a succulent for borders, containers, and low maintenance gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 7, or down to 0°F (-18°C). This plant likes full or part sun and dry, sandy, loamy, or chalky soil. It stays evergreen, tolerates drought, and draws birds, butterflies, and hummingbirds to its yellow-green blooms. Deer rarely make it their first choice. Give it room to reach about 36 to 48 inches wide.
Pairs well with Mediterranean spurge, Shenandoah switchgrass, and Star of persia.
Native range
Northeastern Mexico.