Foxtail Agave
Foxtail Agave
Plant Type: Agaves
Plant Height: 4-5 feet
Spread: 6-8 feet
Flower Color: greenish yellow
Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Shade
Description:
Foxtail Agave, known botanically as Agave attenuata, is a distinctive and popular succulent native to central Mexico. It is well-loved for its dramatic, architectural form and its unique, curved flower spike that resembles a foxtail, from which it gets its common name.
One of the most notable characteristics of the Foxtail Agave is its rosette of smooth, spineless leaves. The leaves are a pale green or blue-green color, and they have a soft, pliable texture, which is a departure from the typical sharp-edged agaves. This makes the Foxtail Agave a safer choice for gardens where people or pets may come into close contact with the plant.
Foxtail Agave is particularly known for its spectacular flower spike. Unlike other agaves that produce upright spikes, the Foxtail Agave's spike arches over, giving it a distinctive, curved appearance. The flowers are greenish-yellow to pale green and bloom in the summer. After flowering, which can take many years to occur, the main rosette typically dies but is replaced by offshoots or "pups."
This plant is ideal for a range of garden styles, including modern landscapes, Mediterranean gardens, and as a specimen in rock gardens. It thrives in well-drained soil and prefers a sunny to partially shaded location. While it is more shade-tolerant than many agaves, it does best with some sun exposure.
Foxtail Agave is drought-tolerant once established, but it benefits from regular watering during the growing season. It is not as cold-hardy as some other agave species, so it may need protection in cooler climates.
Overall, the Foxtail Agave is valued for its unique, smooth foliage, dramatic flowering spike, and adaptability to a variety of landscape settings. Its ability to provide a sculptural and tropical element to gardens makes it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add an exotic touch to their outdoor spaces.
Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Foxtail Agave
Planting Guide:
- Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth)
- Soil: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
- Spacing: Space plants 3-4 feet apart to allow for their rosette 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: Foxtail Agave requires no staking and grows in a compact, rosette form with distinctive, graceful leaves
Watering Guide:
Watering After Planting:
- Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
- Frequency: Water every 4-5 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
- Watering Amount: Provide 1-2 inches of water per session for deep watering
When is the Plant Established?
- Timeframe: Foxtail Agave is considered established after 3-4 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil
Watering Once Established:
- Summer: Water every 14-21 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 10-14 days. Provide 2-3 inches of water per session.
- Winter: Water every 4-6 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.
Drip Irrigation Setup:
- Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant to ensure deep watering
- Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour for deep watering
- Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
- Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering to every 10-14 days. In winter, reduce to every 4-6 weeks