Species

cactus succulent

Gentry's Agave Jaws

The Story

Plant Bio

Agave gentryi 'Jaws' is a rosette-forming succulent with stiff, pointed, bluish-green leaves that feature prominent, sharp teeth along the margins, creating a striking architectural appearance.

This cultivar is distinguished by its particularly dense, serrated leaf margins that resemble jagged jaws, adding a dramatic and unique texture to xeriscape plantings.

Uses & Benefits:

Adds architectural structure with sharp, striking foliage, ideal for xeriscaping.

Requires minimal watering and maintenance, conserving resources.

Supports desert biome stability and reduces water use.

SpeciesAgave gentryiGentry's Agave

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Cactus Succulent

Height

36 inches

Width

48 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Monocarpic perennial (decades)

Native To

Mexico

Toxicity

Sap is a skin irritant; toxic if ingested.

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds or pups into well-draining soil
Water sparingly after planting, avoid overwatering
Place in full sun for optimal growth
Allow 6 weeks for roots to establish
Mulch lightly to reduce moisture loss
Monitor for pests and treat as needed

Pro Tip

Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water sparingly during the growing season 🌱
Provide full sun for best coloration
Use well-draining soil to prevent rot
Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds

Don't

Overwater or keep in soggy soil ❌
Expose to shade or low light ❌
Use heavy clay soil without amendments ❌
Neglect pest monitoring ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Arid, spiny succulent centerpieceDrought-tolerant borderDesert-themed rock garden

Companion Plants

Agave parryi Sedum spp.Yucca filamentosa Echeveria spp.Lavandula angustifolia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Gentry's Agave Jaws questions

What zones can Gentry's Agave Jaws grow in?

Gentry's Agave Jaws is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Gentry's Agave Jaws deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Gentry's Agave Jaws, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Gentry's Agave Jaws bloom?

Gentry's Agave Jaws typically blooms in blooms once at maturity through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Gentry's Agave Jaws need full sun?

Gentry's Agave Jaws does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Gentry's Agave Jaws drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Gentry's Agave Jaws handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.