Agave victoriae-reginae - queen's agave (Baschet)

Genus of over 200 species of rosette-forming monocarpic perennials and succulents of desert and mountainous regions of North and Central America. The Agave victoriae-reginae is certainly among the most attractive agaves in cultivation, with compact rosettes up to 50-60 cm wide formed by short rigid dark green leaves, triangular oblong, marked with white, 15-30 cm long, with thick tips rounded. At the ends of the leaves there are short grey-blackish or brown terminal spines, while marginal spines are absent. After 10-15 years the plant produces an inflorescence up to 3-4 m high with creamy white flowers sometimes tinged with red or purple. After flowering the plant dies.

Pedoclimatic needs

Grow in soil very rich in limestone, moderately fertile and well drained, in full sun. This species is moderately rustic and resists short frosts down to -6-8°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 victoriae-reginae

Family: Agaveceae