Agave ovatifolia 'Frosty Blue'

Common Name: Agave, Whale's Tongue Agave

This graceful, broad form of Agave grows relatively quickly to form a solitary rosette of short, broad, cupped leaves lined with small teeth and tipped with steel grey, terminal spines. Its distinctive powdery grey color has almost a turquoise cast to it according to Sean Hogan, owner of Cistus Nursery where this plant originated.

This is one of the most cold hardy Agaves, tolerating temperatures as low as 5°F.

At the end of its lifecycle, a majestic 10-14 foot spire carries interesting greenish yellow flowers.

The common name "Century Plant" is alluding to the belief that it takes 100 years to bloom. In reality, Agaves bloom after 15-20 years, and the main crown dies after blooming.

Height:

2.0-3.0 Feet

Spread:

3.0-6.0 Feet

Hardiness Zones:

7B,8,9,10

Flower Color:

Yellow/Gold Shades

Foliage Color:

Blue shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Low Water Needs Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Poor Soil Quality Average Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0) Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant Rabbit Resistant

Growth Rate:

Slow

Garden Style:

Asian Patio Container Eclectic Formal Modern Rock Garden

Other Features:

Container Drought Tolerant Attractive Foliage

Origin:

Native to North America

Agave is a tender perennial or "temperennial" succulent plant that grows best in full sun. Light afternoon shade is recommended in the hottest parts of the country. Plant in well-drained, dry to average soil in containers just slightly wider than the width of the rosette or plant directly in the ground. In summer when the plants are actively growing, they appreciate a bit of supplemental watering and half-strength fertilizer. They should be grown dry in winter. Agave is a slower grower, so it will not quickly overtake the space it is allotted in the landscape.

Characteristics