Big Boy Smooth Edge Agave CCF

Plant Type: perennial, succulent
Plant Height: 4–6 feet
Spread: 6–10 feet
Flower Color: yellow
Sun Exposure: Full sun, Partial Shade

Big Boy Smooth Edge Agave CCF / Agave weberi ‘Big Boy’ CCF: Majestic Form with Gentle Leaf Edge
Agave weberi ‘Big Boy’ CCF is a remarkable cultivar known for its grand size, smooth leaf margins, and impressive heat tolerance. Compared to typical Agave weberi, this variant grows larger and exhibits superior resilience in harsh climates. Its broad, gently arching blue-gray leaves form a commanding rosette that stands out in desert landscapes, creating a bold focal point with less aggression from sharp spines.

Key Features of Big Boy Smooth Edge Agave
The ‘Big Boy’ cultivar features wide, fleshy leaves with a cleaner margin — meaning fewer or subtler teeth than more aggressively spined agaves — giving it a more approachable yet still architectural appearance. As it matures, the rosette becomes expansive, with dramatic leaf spread dominating surrounding planting areas. At the end of life, it sends up a tall flower stalk of yellow blossoms before the main rosette dies; offsets (pups) may continue the lineage.

Growing and Care Tips
Big Boy thrives in full sun environments but will benefit from partial afternoon shade in the most intense heat. It demands excellent drainage in sandy, rocky, or gritty soils to prevent root issues. During its establishment period, it benefits from occasional deep watering, but once rooted, it switches to a drought-adapted mode. Avoid overwatering or saturated soils. Light feeding in spring with a succulent-appropriate fertilizer is optional but not required. It performs strongly in warm, arid regions and should be shielded from persistent freezing conditions.

Landscaping Uses
This agave is ideal for large-scale xeriscape designs, desert gardens, and statement plantings. Use it as a solitary specimen in gravel beds, open landscapes, or as a focal anchor in contemporary garden themes. Its grand form suits wide spacing and dramatic compositions, especially where striking scale is desired with lower maintenance needs.

Summary
Agave weberi ‘Big Boy’ CCF combines bold size, striking form, and smoother margins to deliver a regal, elegant agave for Arizona landscapes. Its durability, sculptural presence, and relative gentleness in leaf form make it a compelling choice for statement installations that demand both presence and longevity.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow):
Big Boy Smooth Edge Agave Planting Guide:
Location: Full sun to partial shade (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight; light afternoon shade helps in extreme heat)
Soil: Well-drained, sandy, rocky or gritty soil is essential to avoid waterlogging
Spacing: Space plants 6–10 feet apart to allow full rosette expansion and airflow
Planting Depth: Set the crown at or slightly above soil surface to prevent water collecting around the base
Support: No staking required; the rosette is naturally stable

Watering Guide:
Watering After Planting: Water deeply once to settle soil and remove air pockets. Allow the soil to dry before watering again. During the first few months, water deeply but infrequently (every 7–14 days, depending on heat and soil)
When is the Plant Established? Establishment generally occurs within 6–12 months, when roots are firmly anchored and growth has stabilized
Watering Once Established: After establishment, irrigation is reduced. In summer, water only during prolonged drought periods (every 3–4 weeks). In cooler months, watering is seldom needed
Drip Irrigation Setup: Place emitters 12–18 inches from the rosette center to avoid wetting the base. Use low-flow emitters (0.5–1 gph) and allow soil to dry completely between cycles. One emitter per plant typically suffices
General Watering Tips: Always verify soil dryness before irrigating — wait until the top several inches are dry. Overwatering is more harmful than underwatering. Use coarse gravel or rock mulch to conserve moisture, and keep mulch cleared away from the rosette base to maintain airflow