Agave ovatifolia - oval-leaved agave (18 cm pot)

Genus of over 200 species of rosette-forming monocarpic perennials and succulents of desert and mountainous regions of North and Central America. Agave ovatifolia is a medium-sized plant with a generally single body, rarely clustered. Compact rosette up to 80-120 cm large, made up of enlarged, oval, blue-grey leaves with small marginal spines and a black apical spine. After 15-20 years the plant produces an apical inflorescence up to 5-6 m high with numerous yellow flowers. After flowering the plant withers and dies.

Pedoclimatic needs

Given its small size and the absence of lateral or root shoots, this species is particularly suitable for cultivation in large pots or flower beds. Grow in well-drained soil preferably with a good limestone content and enriched with a little organic substance. Watering must be regular from March to September, suspending it in the winter months. It prefers full sun exposure. This species is fairly rustic and tolerates frosts as long as they are not too intense and prolonged down to -4°/-6°c. During the dry season it resists drought well, although it benefits from regular irrigation by waiting for the earth to dry between one irrigation and another.

Botanical Information

Botanical Name: Agave ovatifolia – el oso

Family: Agavaceae