When you think of agave plant , the first image that likely comes to mind is of sun - soak deserts , a place where these striking succulents prosper .
However , many gardener are surprised to con that sure agave varieties can handle cooler climates quite well .
With their bluff , architectural bod , agaves are perfect for adding play to your garden even in areas that experience chilly temperatures .
Here ’s a list of14 hardy agave speciesthat can brave the cold and still attend stunning . Let ’s explore these tough and various plant that defy the betting odds and flourish where others might go bad .
1. Agave Parryi (Parry’s Agave)
Cold Hardiness : -20 ° F ( -29 ° 100 )
Also know as Parry ’s Agave , this striking plant is a cold - audacious wonder . Its blue - gray russet scab make a perfect focal degree for your garden .
Agave parryi is incredibly tough , equal to of withstanding wintry temperatures as low as -20 ° F ! Plus , its stocky size of it makes it ideal for smaller spaces or even containers .
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During winter , a layer of mulch around the base will help it weather the frost even better .
2. Agave Havardiana (Harvard’s Agave)
Cold Hardiness : -10 ° F ( -23 ° C )
Native to the gamy elevations of the Chihuahuan Desert , Agave havardiana is no stranger to cold atmospheric condition .
Its broad , thick leave of absence form a beautiful rosette with a blueish - green hue , and the plant life can handle temperatures down to -10 ° degree Fahrenheit .
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Perfect for xeriscaping , Harvard ’s Agave is a slow grower , but its resilience more than make up for the wait .
3. Agave Neomexicana (New Mexico Agave)
As its name suggests , Agave neomexicana is aboriginal to the cooler climates of New Mexico .
This variety is highly valued for its extreme inhuman tolerance , surviving temperatures down to -20 ° degree Fahrenheit .
The plant ’s hit blue - gray leaves form a tight stem canker , and with its modest sizing , it bring in a bully plus to rock gardens or smaller landscapes .
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4. Agave Montana (Mountain Agave)
inhuman Hardiness : 10 ° F ( -12 ° C )
The Mountain Agave is as royal as it sounds . find in the eminent - altitude region of northeastern Mexico , Agave montana is well adapted to both cold and frost .
Its broad , coloured light-green leave-taking are edged with striking spines , name it a dramatic addition to any garden .
Source: Reddit
While it can withstand temperatures down to 10 ° F , well - debilitate soil is of the essence to void waste in colder clime .
5. Agave Utahensis (Utah Agave)
One of the most dusty - resistant century plant , Agave utahensis is native to the arid region of Utah , Nevada , and Arizona .
Its unique , narrow leaves with strung-out spines give it a trenchant show . The plant is incredibly hardy , exist in temperatures as gloomy as -20 ° F .
It flourish in stony , well - drained territory , make it idealistic for rock gardens or desert landscapes .
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6. Agave Ovatifolia (Whale’s Tongue Agave)
stale Hardiness : 5 ° F ( -15 ° 100 )
With its full , lingua - comparable foliage , Agave ovatifolia , commonly known as the Whale ’s Tongue Agave , is a stopper .
This plant life ’s all-encompassing , silvery - sorry leaf forge a monolithic rosette that can span up to five foot across .
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Despite its size of it and grandeur , this agave is quite cold - hardy , handling temperature as down as 5 ° F . Give it plenty of infinite to circularise , and watch over it transform your landscape .
7. Agave Lechuguilla (Shin Dagger Agave)
The Shin Dagger Agave , identify for its sharp , sticker - like leaves , is a hardy desert native that can defy temperature as low as 10 ° F .
This smaller species , get about 2 base tall and wide-cut , is staring for gardener looking to add an agave that can handle the cold without overwhelm a small blank .
Be conservative around its spinous leafage , but otherwise , this plant is low - sustentation and drouth - resistant .
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8. Agave Gentryi (Gentry’s Agave)
Native to the Sierra Madre Mountains of Mexico , Agave gentryi is a cold - hardy mintage that brings a striking presence to any garden .
Its big , green rosettes , line with dramatic spines , make it a complete focal point for landscape that experience freeze temperatures .
With proper drainage , this tough agave can plow temperature down to 5 ° atomic number 9 .
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9. Agave Schidigera (Thread-Leaf Agave)
insensate Hardiness : 15 ° F ( -9 ° nose candy )
Agave schidigera , commonly get laid as the Thread - Leaf Agave , gets its name from the delicate , screw thread - like fibers that loop from the edges of its leave of absence .
This compact species is a expectant choice for container horticulture or smaller spaces , as it typically grow to about two feet panoptic .
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While it is less cold - tolerant than some other agaves , it can still handle temperatures as low as 15 ° F with right care and protection .
10. Agave Americana (Century Plant)
The Century Plant is one of the most iconic agave specie , known for its grand size and dramatic silhouette .
Despite its tropic show , Agave americana is surprisingly inhuman - audacious , tolerating temperatures down to 15 ° F .
Its tumid , sorry - green parting can produce up to six feet long , making it a sheer choice for larger landscapes . Just be trusted to give it plenty of room , as this American aloe can become quite talkative over time .
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11. Agave Toumeyana (Toumey Agave)
Agave toumeyana is a witching , compact agave species that fly high in colder climate . Its narrow-minded , dark green leave are adorn with white markings and fine blank filaments , give it a classifiable look .
This century plant can handle temperatures down to 10 ° F and is perfect for John Rock garden , xeriscaping , or container horticulture . Its small size makes it a versatile selection for various garden styles .
12. Agave Bracteosa (Squid Agave)
Unlike many agave species with astute spines , Agave bracteosa , or the Squid Agave , features soft , kink leaves that resemble the tentacles of a calamari .
This alone plant is both eye - catching and hardheaded , as it can permit temperature down to 10 ° F .
Its compact , spineless nature makes it an fantabulous choice for gardens with children or pets , and it does well in container or gather into John Rock gardens .
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13. Agave Victoriae-Reginae (Queen Victoria Agave)
One of the most striking and elegant agave mintage , the Queen Victoria Agave features compact , symmetrical rosettes with dark fleeceable leaves outlined in bloodless .
This agave is highly sought after for its architectural peach and power to defy cold temperatures down to 10 ° F .
Its behind - growing nature score it a great choice for small-scale gardens or container , where it can be appreciated up close .
Source: Reddit
14. Agave Asperrima (Rough Agave)
The Rough Agave , or Agave asperrima , is a knotty , moth-eaten - dauntless species that can handle temperatures as low-spirited as 5 ° F .
Its gray - green leaves are brood in rough grain and sharp spine , give it a rugged appearing .
This agave is perfect for large landscapes where its size and resiliency can beam . It thrives in well - drained stain and can stick out both heating system and cold , making it a versatile accession to any garden .
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Tips for Growing Cold-Hardy Agaves
If you ’re considering adding cold - hardy century plant to your garden , here are a few tips to help them prosper :
Location is central : pick out a sunny spot with well - drain stain . century plant do n’t care pose in wet soil , especially during wintertime months .
Mulch for insulation : During winter , a stratum of mulch can serve protect the roots from extreme cold .
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Container care : If you ’re growing agaves in containers , consider moving them to a sheltered spot during particularly harsh winter .
body of water wisely : While century plant are drought - broad , they still need some water . However , avoid lacrimation in winter to prevent root rot .
agave are not just for raging mood . With the right aid and survival , you may enjoy these unfearing , architectural plants in cooler neighborhood , too .
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From the towering Century Plant to the midget Queen Victoria Agave , there ’s an agave species for every garden and every climate .
Their resiliency and beauty make them a worthy accession to any landscape . Embrace the unexpected and let these cold - hardy agaves bring structure and style to your outdoor space , no matter the temperature !
