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Botanical name: Agave attenuata
An appealing variety producing a rosette of wide, green-gray foliage on smooth gray stems that can reach 4 feet; infrequent flower stalks curve toward the ground, then arch back upward, resembling a fox’s tail; a great accent planting.
Other names: Century Plant
| Hardiness zone | 8b |
|---|---|
| Flower color | chartreuse |
| Foliage type | evergreen |
| Plant form | round |
| Mature height | 5 feet (10 feet with the flowers) |
| Spread | 7 feet |
| Light requirements | full sun |
| Moisture requirements | dry to average |
| Plant origin | import |
Fox Tail Agave features bold spikes of chartreuse cup-shaped flowers rising above the foliage in mid summer. It has light green foliage. The succulent pointy leaves remain light green throughout the winter. The fruit is not ornamentally significant.
Fox Tail Agave is a multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a more or less rounded form. Its strikingly bold and coarse texture can be very effective in a balanced landscape composition.
This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and usually looks its best without pruning, although it will tolerate pruning. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;
Suckering
Fox Tail Agave is recommended for the following landscape applications;
Accent, Rock/Alpine Gardens, General Garden Use
Fox Tail Agave will grow to be about 5 feet tall at maturity extending to 10 feet tall with the flowers, with a spread of 7 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years.
This shrub should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in poor soils. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is not originally from North America. It can be propagated by multiplication of the underground bulbs.
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