Octopus Agave

Plant Type: Agaves
Plant Height: 4-5 feet
Spread: 6-8 feet
Flower Color: yellow
Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Shade

Agave vilmoriniana (Octopus Agave) – A Unique, Drought-Tolerant Agave for Arizona Landscapes

Agave vilmoriniana, commonly known as Octopus Agave, is named for its long, curving leaves that resemble tentacles. The pale green leaves are smooth-edged, lacking the sharp spines typically found on other agave species, giving the plant a soft, undulating appearance. This unique leaf formation makes the Octopus Agave a popular choice for ornamental landscaping.

Key Features of Agave vilmoriniana:

• Unique Octopus-Like Leaves: The long, curving leaves of the Octopus Agave give it a distinctive, sculptural form, creating a soft, flowing aesthetic in desert gardens and xeriscaping. The pale green color adds a calming visual contrast to other plants in the landscape.
• Drought Tolerant: Native to the rocky hillsides of Western Mexico, the Octopus Agave is well-adapted to arid and semi-arid climates, making it ideal for xeriscaping and Mediterranean-style gardens in Arizona.
• Suitable for Large Containers: Its distinctive form and size make it a striking focal point in large container gardens, perfect for patios, balconies, and courtyards.

Perfect for Xeriscaping and Mediterranean Gardens

The Octopus Agave is an excellent choice for xeriscaping and low-maintenance gardens in Arizona. Its unique form and drought tolerance make it a standout in desert landscapes, while its smooth, curving leaves add a graceful, architectural quality to any garden.

• Minimal Maintenance: Once established, the Octopus Agave requires very little care. It thrives in well-drained soil and prefers full sun, though some afternoon shade can help prevent leaf scorch in extremely hot climates.
• Dramatic Sculptural Form: Whether planted in the ground or used as a container specimen, the Octopus Agave brings a bold visual impact to Mediterranean-style and desert-themed gardens.
• Compact Yet Striking: Its flowing leaves and sculptural appearance make it perfect for container gardening, adding an elegant, focal point to patios and landscapes.

Why Choose Octopus Agave for Your Arizona Garden?

• Drought Tolerant: Ideal for xeriscaping and low-water-use landscapes, the Octopus Agave thrives in arid environments with minimal water, making it perfect for Arizona’s dry climate.
• Unique Visual Appeal: The curving, tentacle-like leaves create a distinctive and graceful appearance, adding a sculptural quality to any garden.
• Low-Maintenance: Its drought tolerance and minimal care requirements make it an excellent choice for water-efficient gardening while offering dramatic visual impact.

Flowering and Pollination

The Octopus Agave produces a tall flower spike when mature, reaching up to 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters) in height, with clusters of bright yellow flowers that attract pollinators. After flowering, the plant dies but typically produces offsets ("pups"), which can be replanted to continue the agave’s presence in your garden.

Planting & Care Tips

The Octopus Agave thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it requires very little water, making it highly drought-tolerant. In extremely hot climates, provide some afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch. It is ideal for xeriscaping, Mediterranean gardens, and container gardening where its sculptural form can be fully appreciated.

The Agave vilmoriniana (Octopus Agave) is a distinctive, drought-tolerant succulent that brings both beauty and resilience to Arizona landscapes. Its unique, tentacle-like leaves, combined with its low water requirements, make it a valuable addition to xeriscaping, Mediterranean-style gardens, and container plantings in the Phoenix Valley.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Octopus 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-shaped form
• 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: Octopus Agave requires no staking, as it grows in a compact, upright form with long, twisting leaves

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 5-6 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Octopus 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