cactus succulent

Mojave Agave

Agave schidigera 'Copola'

The Story

Plant Bio

Agave schidigera 'Copola' is a rosette-forming succulent with stiff, spiky, grey-green leaves that often display reddish margins, producing tall flower stalks with yellowish-green flowers.

This cultivar is valued for its compact, dense rosette habit and striking, contrasting leaf margins, making it an attractive focal point in xeriscape gardens and drought-tolerant landscapes.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesA striking succulent with architectural form perfect for modern and desert landscapes.
Practical UsesRequires minimal water and maintenance, ideal for xeriscaping.
Ecological BenefitsSupports drought resilience and prevents soil erosion in arid gardens.
SpeciesAgave schidigeraThread-leaf Agave

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Cactus Succulent

Height

24 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Decades

Native To

Mexico and southwestern US

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Bloom period

Late summer – Late fall

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In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds or pups into well-draining soil
  2. Water sparingly until established, about 6 weeks
  3. Place in full sun for optimal growth
  4. Avoid overwatering to prevent rot
  5. Mulch lightly to conserve moisture
  6. Protect from frost in colder zones

Pro Tip

Ensure excellent drainage and avoid overwatering for healthy growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water deeply but infrequently 🌱
  • Provide full sun for best color and form
  • Use well-draining soil to prevent root rot
  • Mulch lightly to retain moisture

Don't

  • Overwater or keep in wet soil ❌
  • Plant in dense, clay soil
  • Expose to frost without protection
  • Use high nitrogen fertilizer

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Arid rock gardenSculptural focal pointDrought-tolerant border

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Mojave Agave questions

What zones can Mojave Agave grow in?

Mojave 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 Mojave Agave deer resistant?

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

When does Mojave Agave bloom?

Mojave 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 Mojave Agave need full sun?

Mojave Agave does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Mojave Agave drought tolerant?

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

Keep exploring

Grow Mojave 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.