A spineless soft-leaved agave forming large pale grey-green rosettes, eventually producing a dramatic arching flower spike like a foxtail. A widely planted soft-textured feature, safe and easy.
At a glance
- Plant type: Succulent
- Mature size: 1.2 m H × 1.5 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Foxtail Agave
Botanically, Agave attenuata is a moderate-growing succulent in the Asparagaceae family. It reaches around 1.2 m tall and 1.5 m wide at maturity, with evergreen and silver-grey foliage. Yellow flowers appear in spring.
Where to grow Foxtail Agave
Foxtail Agave suits Mediterranean, warm-temperate, subtropical and arid and semi-arid climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and tolerates salt-laden coastal winds.
Soil & planting
Foxtail Agave does best in sandy and free-draining soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Foxtail Agave is very drought tolerant once established, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Foxtail Agave after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Foxtail Agave in the garden
Foxtail Agave earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, pots and courtyard containers and holding soil on banks and slopes. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Foxtail Agave with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and Mediterranean climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Good to know
It is thornless and easy to handle.
Buying Foxtail Agave
Plant Sale lists Foxtail Agave as potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.