The Story
Plant Bio
Agave macroculmis is a succulent perennial with rosettes of bluish-green, fleshy leaves that have spiny margins and a terminal spine, forming a robust, upright clump. It produces tall flower stalks with yellow-green flowers.
This species is distinguished by its relatively large size among agaves and its ability to adapt to a range of soil conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping and drought-tolerant gardens.
Uses & Benefits:
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
Many decades
Native To
Mexico
Toxicity
Sap is a skin irritant; toxic if ingested
Bloom period
Late summer – Late fall
In flower about 4 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck well-draining soil around roots
- Plant in full sun for optimal growth
- Water sparingly after planting, then once a month
- Fertilize with cactus or succulent mix in spring
- Mulch lightly to retain moisture
- Protect from frost in colder zones for winter
Pro Tip
Use gritty, well-draining soil and avoid overwatering to prevent rot.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply but infrequently 🌱
- Provide full sun for healthy growth
- Use cactus fertilizer in spring
Don't
- Avoid overwatering ❌
- Don’t place in shade
- Don’t disturb roots unnecessarily
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| 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
Gentry's Agave questions
What zones can Gentry's Agave grow in?
Gentry's Agave 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 deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Gentry's Agave, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Gentry's Agave bloom?
Gentry's Agave typically blooms in late summer 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 need full sun?
Gentry's Agave does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Gentry's Agave drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Gentry'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 gracilipes
Frosty Blue Whale's Tongue Agave
Agave ovatifolia 'Frosty Blue'
McKelvey's Agave
Agave mckelveyana
Vanzie Whale's Tongue Agave
Agave ovatifolia 'Vanzie'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Gentry'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.