Sharkskin Agave

Plant Type: Agaves
Plant Height: 3-4 feet
Spread: 3-5 feet
Flower Color: dark-red or burgundy
Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Shade

Agave 'Sharkskin' – A Bold, Drought-Tolerant Hybrid for Arizona Landscapes

Agave 'Sharkskin' is a striking hybrid that combines traits of Agave victoriae-reginae and Agave scabra, resulting in a plant with thick, wide leaves and a rough texture resembling shark skin. The dark green to blue-green leaves have a smooth margin and end in a sharp terminal spine, making this agave a bold, architectural addition to any garden.

Key Features of Agave 'Sharkskin':

• Sharkskin Texture & Unique Foliage: The thick, wide leaves of the Sharkskin Agave have a rough texture that resembles shark skin, giving it a unique, tactile appeal. Its dark green to blue-green leaves add a sculptural element to gardens, making it perfect for rock gardens, succulent collections, and container plantings.
• Drought Tolerant: Adapted to arid conditions, this agave is highly drought-tolerant and thrives with minimal watering, making it ideal for xeriscaping and water-efficient landscapes in Arizona.
• Flowering Event: When mature, the Sharkskin Agave produces a tall flower spike with dark red or burgundy flowers, attracting pollinators such as bees and birds. After flowering, the plant typically dies but produces offsets ("pups") that can be replanted.

Perfect for Xeriscaping and Water-Efficient Gardens

The Sharkskin Agave is an excellent choice for xeriscaping and low-maintenance gardens in Arizona. Its bold, architectural form and unique texture make it a standout in rock gardens, succulent gardens, or as a container specimen on patios and balconies.

• Low Maintenance: Once established, this agave requires well-drained soil and very little water, making it easy to care for in dry, sunny climates. It thrives in full sun, helping to bring out its vibrant color and robust form.
• Versatile Use: Whether used as a focal point in rock gardens or as part of a succulent collection, the Sharkskin Agave brings a sculptural and exotic touch to any landscape.
• Moderate Size: Its moderate size makes it ideal for in-ground planting or container gardening, allowing it to fit into a variety of garden designs while providing a bold visual impact.

Why Choose Agave 'Sharkskin' for Your Arizona Garden?

• Drought Tolerant: Perfect for xeriscaping and low-water-use landscapes, the Sharkskin Agave thrives in arid conditions with minimal water, making it ideal for Arizona’s dry climate.
• Unique Texture & Form: The sharkskin-like texture and dark green leaves of this agave create a dramatic focal point in any landscape, adding visual and tactile interest.
• Low-Maintenance: With its drought tolerance and minimal care needs, the Sharkskin Agave is a great option for gardeners seeking water-efficient landscaping with a bold aesthetic.

Planting & Care Tips

The Sharkskin Agave thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Water sparingly once established, as this plant is highly drought-tolerant. Consider using it in rock gardens or as a container specimen for maximum visual impact.

The Agave 'Sharkskin' is a bold, drought-tolerant hybrid that brings both beauty and resilience to Arizona landscapes. Its unique texture, sculptural form, and low water requirements make it a valuable addition to xeriscaping, rock gardens, and container plantings in the Phoenix Valley.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Sharkskin 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 for optimal 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: Sharkskin Agave is a self-supporting plant and requires no staking. It grows in a rosette form with attractive blue-green leaves

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 7-10 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 2-3 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Sharkskin 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 6-8 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 plant for deep watering of the root zone
• 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 frequency to every 10-14 days. In winter, reduce to every 6-8 weeks