Agave Guinengola

Plant Type: Agaves
Plant Height: 2-4 feet
Spread: 3-5 feet
Flower Color: creamy white
Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Shade

Description:

Agave Guiengola is known for its large, dramatic rosettes of wide, pale blue-green leaves. The leaves are thick, fleshy, and often have a powdery coating, with smooth margins and a terminal spine. This agave's unique color and broad, sculptural leaves make it a stunning choice for ornamental landscaping.

Native to the rocky cliffs and slopes of Oaxaca, Mexico, Agave Guiengola is adapted to dry, hot conditions. It is drought-tolerant and thrives in well-drained soil, making it an ideal plant for xeriscaping and Mediterranean-style gardens. Despite its preference for full sun, it can handle some shade, which can be beneficial in extremely hot climates to prevent sunburn.

This species is relatively slow-growing but can become quite large, making it a striking focal point in the garden. It is also suitable for container gardening, where its impressive form can be more contained and highlighted. In addition to its visual appeal, Agave Guiengola is also known for its low maintenance needs, requiring minimal care once established.

The flowering of Agave Guiengola is an infrequent event, but when it occurs, it is spectacular. The plant produces a tall, vertical spike that can tower above the foliage, adorned with clusters of creamy-white flowers. This bloom attracts various pollinators and adds an extra layer of beauty to the plant's display. After flowering, the main plant typically dies, but it often produces offsets or "pups" around its base, which can be replanted to propagate new plants.

Agave Guiengola's combination of size, unique leaf color, and form, along with its ease of care, makes it a highly desirable plant for gardeners looking to add an exotic and dramatic touch to their landscapes.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Agave Guinengola

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (avoid heavy, clay-based soils)
• Spacing: Space plants 3-4 feet apart to allow for proper growth and air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: No staking required; Agave Guinengola is self-supporting and grows in a rosette form, making it stable in open areas

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 3-4 days for the first 2 weeks to promote root establishment
• Watering Amount: Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per session, ensuring deep watering around the root zone

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Agave Guinengola is considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have extended into the surrounding soil and the plant begins to show new growth

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hot months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 2 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks, depending on rainfall. Agave Guinengola is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering during the winter dormancy.

General Watering Tips:

• Soil Check: Check the soil moisture regularly. Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry to the touch.
• Avoid Overwatering: Agave Guinengola prefers dry conditions and well-drained soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
• Mulch: Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool, but avoid letting mulch touch the plant’s stem.