McKelvey's Agave
Agave mckelveyana
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Cactus Succulent
Height
18 inches
Width
30 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
7, 8, 9
Water
Low
Humidity
Low
Lifespan
Decades
Native To
Arizona, USA
Toxicity
Sap may cause skin irritation; mildly toxic if ingested.
The Story
Plant Bio
A compact, solitary or slowly offsetting, rosette-forming succulent. Features glaucous gray-green to blue-green leaves with prominent, reddish-brown marginal teeth and a sharp terminal spine. A smaller Agave species, prized for its manageable size, symmetrical rosette, and notable cold hardiness. Its compact form makes it ideal for rock gardens, containers, and small-scale xeriscapes.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or pups into well-draining soil in spring.
- Water sparingly until established, about 6 weeks.
- Mist cuttings lightly to encourage root growth.
- Place in full sun for optimal growth.
- Transplant in early summer if needed, after roots develop.
- Apply cactus or succulent fertilizer monthly during growing season.
Pro Tip
Use sandy or rocky soil for excellent drainage to prevent rot.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water infrequently but deeply 🌱
- Provide full sun exposure
- Use well-draining soil
Don't
- Overwater or keep in soggy soil ❌
- Expose to frost or freezing temperatures
- Use heavy clay soil without amendment
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
McKelvey's Agave questions
What zones can McKelvey's Agave grow in?
McKelvey's Agave is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is McKelvey's Agave deer resistant?
Yes — McKelvey's Agave is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does McKelvey's Agave bloom?
McKelvey's Agave typically blooms in summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does McKelvey's Agave need full sun?
McKelvey's Agave does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is McKelvey's Agave drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), McKelvey's Agave handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Agave to compare
Utah Agave Kaibabensis
Agave utahensis 'kaibabensis'
Toumey's Agave
Agave toumeyana
Slimfoot Century Plant
Agave x gracilipes
Blue Glow Agave
Agave americana 'Blue Glow'
Frosty Blue Whale's Tongue Agave
Agave ovatifolia 'Frosty Blue'
Artichoke Agave
Agave parryi 'truncata'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow McKelvey's Agave with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
