King Ferdinand Agave

Plant Type: Agaves
Plant Height: 1-2 feet
Spread: 1.5-2.5 feet
Flower Color: yellowish
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

King Ferdinand Agave (Agave nickelsiae) – A Drought-Tolerant Succulent for Arizona Landscapes

The King Ferdinand Agave, scientifically known as Agave nickelsiae, is a compact, symmetrical succulent prized for its ornamental qualities and drought tolerance. Native to Northeastern Mexico, this agave is perfectly suited for xeriscaping and water-efficient landscaping in Arizona’s arid climate. Its bluish-green leaves, decorative white spines, and dark terminal spines make it a stunning addition to any desert-themed garden or container planting.

Key Features of King Ferdinand Agave:

• Bluish-Green, Fleshy Leaves: The leaves of the King Ferdinand Agave are thick and fleshy, with a waxy coating that aids in water conservation. The decorative white spines along the edges and the black spine at the tip of each leaf add visual interest and give the plant a striking, architectural appearance.
• Compact Size: This agave is relatively small and slow-growing, making it an ideal plant for rock gardens, succulent gardens, and container plantings. Its symmetrical form makes it a popular choice for modern and Mediterranean landscapes.
• Flowering Event: While rare, the King Ferdinand Agave produces a tall flower stalk adorned with bright yellow flowers that attract pollinators such as bees. After flowering, the plant typically dies but leaves behind offsets ("pups") that can be replanted to continue the lineage.

Perfect for Xeriscaping and Low-Maintenance Gardens

The King Ferdinand Agave is an excellent choice for xeriscaping and desert-themed landscapes in the Phoenix Valley and other arid regions. Its drought-tolerant nature and low-water requirements make it an ideal plant for water-efficient gardens.

• Drought-Tolerant: This agave thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, making it highly adaptable to Arizona’s hot climate. Once established, it requires minimal watering.
• Low-Maintenance: Agave nickelsiae is a slow grower and requires very little care beyond occasional pruning of dead leaves. It is a low-maintenance plant that adds long-lasting appeal to any landscape.
• Ideal for Containers: Due to its compact size and slow growth, the King Ferdinand Agave is an excellent option for container gardening, adding a bold, architectural element to patios or entryways.

Why Choose King Ferdinand Agave for Your Arizona Garden?

• Unique, Ornamental Appearance: The bluish-green leaves with white spines and dark tips create a striking focal point, adding both color and structure to any garden.
• Water-Efficient Landscaping: This agave is perfect for xeriscaping and low-water-use landscapes, thriving in arid environments with minimal watering.
• Safe Placement Needed: Due to its spiny nature, care should be taken when placing the plant in high-traffic areas. It works best in rock gardens, succulent gardens, or containers.

Planting & Care Tips

The King Ferdinand Agave thrives in full sun and should be planted in well-drained soil to prevent root rot. Water sparingly, as this plant is highly drought-tolerant. Consider planting in containers or rock gardens where its spiny leaves won’t pose a hazard.

The King Ferdinand Agave is a drought-tolerant, low-maintenance succulent that brings resilience and architectural beauty to Arizona landscapes. Its compact size and striking appearance make it a perfect choice for xeriscaping, water-efficient gardens, and container plantings in the Phoenix Valley.

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

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight 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 large, rosette shape
• 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: King Ferdinand Agave requires no staking and grows in a large rosette with sharp, striking 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: King Ferdinand 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 18-24 inches away from the base of the agave for deep watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour
• 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