Mateo's Agave

Plant Type: Succulent / Agave
Plant Height: 3–4 feet
Spread: 4–6 feet
Flower Color: Yellow
Sun Exposure: Full sun, Partial Shade

Mateo’s Agave: Rare, Refined Agave with Broad Silver-Blue Leaves
Mateo’s Agave (Agave mateo) is a rare, sculptural agave variety known for its wide, silver-blue leaves and graceful, symmetrical form. It combines the boldness of large agaves with a smooth, elegant leaf texture, making it ideal for modern and desert-inspired Arizona landscapes. This variety thrives in full sun and heat, offering dramatic color and structure while requiring very little maintenance.

Key Features of Mateo’s Agave

• Wide, Silver-Blue Leaves: Large, glaucous leaves with subtle marginal teeth create a refined yet rugged appearance.
• Architectural Form: Forms a dense, rounded rosette that provides strong structure and texture in landscapes.
• Heat and Drought Tolerant: Thrives in Arizona’s high temperatures and low-water conditions once established.
• Cold Hardy: Tolerates light frost and short cold periods without damage.
• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care while maintaining its elegant, balanced form year-round.

Growing and Care Tips
Soil: Prefers well-draining soil such as sandy loam or cactus mix. Avoid clay or compacted areas that retain moisture.
Water: Deeply water after planting and continue 2–3 times per week during the first month. Once established, reduce watering to every 3–4 weeks or only when the soil is completely dry.
Fertilizer: Rarely needed. A diluted cactus fertilizer in early spring can enhance growth and color.
Temperature: Hardy to approximately 20°F; protect young plants during frost.
Maintenance: Remove lower or aging leaves as needed. Avoid watering directly into the rosette to prevent rot.

Landscaping Uses

• Feature Plant: A striking focal point for front yards, courtyards, or open desert gardens.
• Modern and Desert Landscapes: Works beautifully with stone, steel, and gravel for clean architectural contrast.
• Group Plantings: Excellent in clusters or staggered arrangements for visual rhythm.
• Low-Water Landscapes: Perfect for xeriscapes and sustainable Arizona plantings.

Summary
Mateo’s Agave (Agave mateo) is a refined, silver-blue statement plant that brings strength and softness to desert landscapes. Its broad, smooth leaves and balanced symmetry make it a favorite for designers who value sculptural form and resilience. Built for the Arizona sun and soil, it provides long-lasting color and character with virtually no upkeep.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow):
Mateo’s Agave Planting Guide:
Location: Full sun to partial shade (6–8 hours of light daily)
Soil: Well-draining, sandy or rocky soil
Spacing: 4–6 feet apart to allow mature spread
Planting Depth: Keep root ball level with surrounding soil
Support: No staking required; ensure firm root 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, providing deep soakings to promote strong root establishment.

When is the Plant Established? Mateo’s Agave is typically established after 4–6 months, when new leaves emerge and the plant becomes firmly anchored in the soil.

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

Drip Irrigation Setup: Place emitters 8–12 inches from the base of the plant, circling the root zone. Use low-flow emitters (0.5–1 gallon per hour) and adjust watering frequency based on temperature and season.

General Watering Tips: Allow the top few inches of soil to dry completely before watering again. Avoid overhead watering and keep the rosette dry. Decorative gravel or decomposed granite helps with drainage while accentuating the plant’s beautiful silver-blue color.