Smooth Edge Agave

Plant Type: Agaves
Plant Height: 2-3 feet
Spread: 3-4 feet
Flower Color: yellow or orange
Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Shade

Agave desmettiana (Smooth Edge Agave) – A Safe, Drought-Tolerant Succulent for Arizona Landscapes

Agave desmettiana, commonly known as the Smooth Edge Agave, is a striking succulent native to Mexico. Unlike many agave species, this plant is known for its smooth-edged leaves, making it a safer option for residential landscapes where people and pets may come into contact with it. With its vibrant green foliage and soft terminal spine, the Smooth Edge Agave adds a touch of elegance to xeriscape gardens, rock gardens, and container plantings in Arizona’s hot, dry climate.

Key Features of Agave desmettiana:

• Spineless, Smooth-Edged Leaves: The smooth-edged leaves are a distinguishing feature of the Smooth Edge Agave, making it safer for gardens. The vibrant green leaves often feature a yellow or creamy stripe running down the center, ending in a soft terminal spine.
• Moderate Size: This agave is moderate in size, making it perfect for residential gardens, rock gardens, or even container gardening. Its tropical appearance adds an architectural element to patios, decks, or entryways.
• Drought-Tolerant: Like other agave species, Agave desmettiana is highly drought-tolerant, thriving in well-drained soil and requiring minimal watering once established.

Ideal for Xeriscaping and Low-Maintenance Landscapes

The Smooth Edge Agave is perfectly suited for xeriscaping and water-efficient gardens in the Phoenix Valley. Its ability to withstand the intense Arizona heat makes it a low-maintenance choice for those seeking a combination of beauty and practicality.

• Full Sun Performer: This agave thrives in full sun, which enhances its growth and brings out the vibrancy in its foliage. However, it can also tolerate partial shade in hotter climates.
• Flowering Event: The Agave desmettiana produces a tall flower spike during its life cycle, adorned with yellow or orange flowers that attract pollinators. While this event marks the end of the plant’s life, it typically produces offsets ("pups"), allowing the plant to continue growing in your garden.
• Low-Maintenance: Once established, this agave requires very little care beyond occasional watering and well-drained soil to avoid root rot.

Why Choose Agave desmettiana for Your Arizona Garden?

• Safe for Families & Pets: With its spineless leaves and smooth edges, the Smooth Edge Agave is perfect for residential gardens where people and pets can safely interact with the plant.
• Drought Tolerance: This agave thrives in arid and semi-arid climates, making it an ideal choice for water-efficient landscapes in Arizona.
• Versatile & Elegant: Whether used as a focal point in a succulent garden or as a striking accent in a container on your patio, this agave adds a tropical, architectural element to any space.

Planting & Care Tips

Agave desmettiana prefers well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight for optimal growth. Be sure to water sparingly once established, as this plant is highly drought-tolerant. It can also be grown in containers, making it a versatile addition to indoor or outdoor spaces.

Agave desmettiana is a safe, low-maintenance, and drought-tolerant succulent that brings beauty and resilience to Arizona landscapes. Its spineless leaves and tropical form make it a perfect choice for xeriscaping and residential gardens where safety and aesthetics are both priorities.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Smooth Edge Agave

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 3-4 feet apart to allow for their rosette growth and minimal crowding
• 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: Smooth Edge Agave is a self-supporting plant that grows in a compact, rosette form and requires no staking

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: Smooth Edge 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
• 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