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Room for Agave
Agaves in the Landscape
Agaves are very common in
many of Tucson's landscapes. So common they may not get noticed until
the plants bloom or die leaving an empty space in the landscape. Some
species do have a tendency to look a bit ratty as their lower leaves die or
their leaf tips suffer from sun or frost damage.
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Agave weberii with lots of offshoots growing in front of a
north side restaurant.
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Agave
weberri in the landscape of this upscale shopping center. |
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Agave
vilmorinianai grown in concrete containers sitting on top of
walls so their needle pointed leaves won't interfere with
pedestrian traffic. |
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The Agaves are a
good accent plant for the Tucson garden because of their unique form and
their drought tolerance. Certainly not maintenance free if you want them
looking their best. The occasional removal of dead leaves or removal of
other debris around the base of the plant may be necessary. Caution should
always be taken when dealing with the plants because of their sharp thorns
which can easily pierce or tear human skin.
A smaller
species is good for containers as it's located where no one
might brush up against it. Containers should also offer good drainage to
prevent root rot. Repotting may be necessary if the plant is prone to
offshoots which can quickly fill a small container.
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A mass planting of Agave vilmorinianai in front of a
local furniture store. |
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Century plants,
Agave american growing in concrete container along a northwest
side street. |
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Agave americana 'Marginata' with yellow borders on the
outside of the leaves along with sharp thorned edges. |
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Needle like Agave weberii leaf tips. |
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Although not a
totally plant it and forget it type of desert plant many of the Agaves can offer
years of low maintenance. (2008)
Return to
Room for Agave.
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