Jaws Agave

Plant Type: Succulent / Agave
Plant Height: 4–6 feet
Spread: 5–7 feet
Flower Color: Yellow to red
Sun Exposure: Full sun, Partial Shade

Jaws Agave: Fierce, Sculptural Showpiece for Arizona Landscapes
Jaws Agave (Agave gentryi ‘Jaws’) is a bold, dramatic selection of the hardy Agave gentryi, distinguished by its deeply scalloped leaf edges and rugged form. With thick, broad leaves and pronounced teeth resembling shark jaws, this agave commands attention in any landscape. Built to thrive in the intense Arizona sun, ‘Jaws’ offers the perfect combination of beauty, toughness, and architectural impact.

Key Features of Jaws Agave

• Distinctive Leaf Form: Thick, glossy blue-green leaves with deeply curved, toothy margins that create a fierce, sculptural look.
• Impressive Size: Reaches up to 6 feet tall and 7 feet wide, forming a bold centerpiece in any desert or modern landscape.
• Cold and Heat Tolerant: One of the hardiest large agaves, capable of withstanding brief frost and extreme desert heat.
• Striking Color Contrast: Deep green foliage with coppery-red marginal teeth that catch light beautifully.
• Long-Lived and Low Maintenance: Provides decades of presence and structure with minimal care.

Growing and Care Tips
Soil: Plant in well-draining soil such as sandy loam, decomposed granite, or cactus mix. Avoid dense, wet soils to prevent root rot.
Water: Deeply water after planting and continue 2–3 times per week during the first month. Once established, water every 3–4 weeks or only when the soil is completely dry.
Fertilizer: Not typically necessary; a diluted cactus fertilizer in early spring can promote steady growth.
Temperature: Hardy to around 15–20°F once mature. Protect young plants from hard frost until fully rooted.
Maintenance: Remove dried or damaged lower leaves as needed. Avoid watering into the center of the rosette.

Landscaping Uses

• Feature Plant: A dramatic focal point in large desert or modern landscapes.
• Statement Piece: Ideal for driveways, entryways, and high-visibility spaces where bold form is desired.
• Modern Desert Design: Pairs beautifully with boulders, steel planters, and gravel for a sculptural, architectural look.
• Low-Water Landscapes: Excellent for xeriscapes, requiring little irrigation once established.

Summary
Jaws Agave (Agave gentryi ‘Jaws’) brings unmatched drama and power to Arizona landscapes. Its bold leaves, jagged edges, and massive size make it a living sculpture that thrives in sun, heat, and minimal water. Combining resilience with stunning form, it’s the perfect choice for homeowners and designers seeking an unforgettable statement plant that embodies the wild beauty of the desert.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow):
Jaws Agave Planting Guide:
Location: Full sun to partial shade (at least 6–8 hours of light daily)
Soil: Well-draining, sandy or rocky soil free of compaction
Spacing: 5–7 feet apart to allow for full mature spread
Planting Depth: Keep root ball level with surrounding soil
Support: No staking required; ensure firm, stable soil contact

Watering Guide:
Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball. Continue watering every 3–4 days for the first month, allowing deep soakings to help roots establish deeply.

When is the Plant Established? Jaws Agave is typically established after 4–6 months, once new leaf growth appears and the plant resists movement when gently tugged.

Watering Once Established: Water deeply every 3–4 weeks during the summer. In winter, water only when the soil is completely dry to prevent overwatering and rot.

Drip Irrigation Setup: Place emitters 10–12 inches away from the base, circling the root zone. Use low-flow emitters (0.5–1 gallon per hour) and adjust frequency seasonally—more frequent in summer, less in cooler months.

General Watering Tips: Allow the top few inches of soil to dry completely before watering again. Avoid overhead watering and keep the rosette dry to prevent moisture buildup. A decorative top layer of gravel or decomposed granite enhances drainage and emphasizes the plant’s bold form.