The Agaves comprise some 250 species which are found in the wild in Mexico, the USA and Central America.  All of them share the fact that they are succulents and their leaves grow in a rosette format.  Many agaves are monocarpics which mean they flower once in their lives and die after flowering.

Over 125 types of Agave can be found in Mexico and the one we are introducing you to here, Agave victoriae reginae, is generally held to be the most elegant.  And the value of this plant does not just lie in its elegance; it is also a very slow grower.  In general it is a solitary plant, growing with one stem, occasionally it may give off springs.

Nowadays Agave victoriae reginae is one of many plants which are disappearing in Mexico and, for that reason, it is now under Government protection.

The diameter of the plant normally will not be greater than 50cm, although there are occasional reports of specimens reaching 70cm.  It has dark green leaves 4-5cm wide and 15-20cm long.  The leaves are triangular in shape with white edges.  The leaves form a rosette, a very pleasing shape.

In general after the plant has reached 20 years of age, a long 3-4m flower stem grows up which produces many cream-coloured flowers with red-purple striped edges.  After the flowers turn to fruit and then seed, the plant dies.

The main need of Agave victoriae reginae is sunshine, it can manage without much water.  In the winter it can withstand cold down to -12⁰C for short periods.  It is propagated from seed or by removing off springs.  Variegated and compact forms are also available.

In rock or cactus gardens it can be planted alone, in general it is used in groups.  In cold places like Ankara it can be grown in a pot and brought indoors in the winter.