Agave Americana, the massive,
blue-leaved succulents are the century
plants. The legend is that they grow
a hundred years, bloom and then
die. The bloom-then-die part is true,
but when they actually decide to
bloom varies. Talk about a show.
The massive flower spikes can shoot
up 20 to 40 feet and are truly
magnificent.
Tony Avent, well-known plants-man
and owner of Plant Delights
Nursery at Juniper Level Botanic
Garden near Raleigh, favors Agave
ovatifolia ‘frosty blue,’ commonly
known as the whale’s tongue hardy
century plant.
“Hard to pick one succulent,” says
Tony, “but it’s the first that comes
to mind.” It’s a wonderful blue agave,
and grows about three feet high by
five feet wide. “It’s truly one of the
finest of the agaves and it’s very win-ter
hardy and loves the East Coast
climate,” he says.
Another showstopper is Agave sp.
‘Mr. Ripple.’ It’s silvery-blue, grows
about four feet high by six feet wide
and has twisting, undulating leaves.
Talk about movement in the garden!
Succulents Care
You’ll need to water to help them
root and establish themselves but
after that the carefree succulents
will do well on their own provided
they are given well-drained soil
and full sun — the hotter, the
better. Occasional grooming is
good — remove dead leaves and
spent flower stalks. Fertilizer and
insect and disease control is
seldom needed.
Succulent Safety
Succulent leaves can have sharp
points and edges, thorns, prickles
and spines, all of which can cause
injury. Avoid planting near walkways
and seating areas. Succulents can
provide security and block passage.
Please use judiciously, and plant
and handle with care.
agaves
agaves
Mr. Ripples at Shell Island Resort.
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WBM july 2012