Agave americana

Probably the most widely cultivated in the UK of all the Agaves, Agave americana is hardy in much of the country if given a very well-draining substrate and a sunny aspect. When young it should be given extra care, helping it through its first few years by keeping it either in a very protected position or ideally indoors over the winter months until it is of a decent size. When it is large enough it can be either planted into its permanant position or potted on into a terracotta planter. Having a relatively small root structure will allow it to be kept in such a container for many seasons, putting it in a warm sunny position in the summer and giving it more protection in the winter. When planting out to a permanent position care should be taken in chosing the site. To give it as long a growing season as possible before the winter it should be transplanted in mid to late spring or early summer as soon as any danger of a hard frost has passed. Over the growing season it will harden up in readiness for winter. It will need plenty of room as it will eventually grow very large and it should have a very free-draining substrate, with very little soil but plenty of shingle and sand in the mix. It will do well on a slope or a bed that has had its level raised above the surrounding area. Planted out like this it is unlikely to ever need watering other than what it gets from the rain and the drier it can be kept over winter the better. 

With its blue-grey foliage dusted with a zinc-white bloom and its large upright habit, Agave americana is an extremely handsome plant and - where space permits - should be grown more often. Although there are other Agaves that are more hardy in the UK climate, Agave americana is an indispensible addition to anyone contemplating a drought-resistant garden or desert-inspired planting. Much used in the Mediterranean where it fits in very naturally to the landscape and on the American West Coast where its bold architectural form lends itself to contemporary and xerophytic garden styles, it is an iconic plant whose fast-growing habit will rapidly create a dramatic and imposing presence.