Agave Attenuata
Agave attenuata, also commonly known as Foxtail agave, can add a little cheer and whimsy to your garden.
It's shaped like a flower in full bloom, and as it matures, shoots out a stem from the ground.
And then of course, it will grow out a marvelous flower stalk shaped like a foxtail- what it’s most known for- captivating everyone’s attention with its gigantic size- up to 10 feet tall!
Botanical name: Agave attenuata
Other names: Foxtail agave, Lion's tail agave, Swan's neck agave, Gooseneck succulent
A close up look at Agave attenuata
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Agave Attenuata Appearance
Agave attenuata gets its name from the shape of its leaves. Attenuata means diminished or tapered in Latin. The leaves, which are 20-30 inches long, taper to non-spiny ends. These soft-looking leaves form a rosette shape that appears to be a fully open flower. This agave has no spiky spines or thorns.
Typically light green leaves. With partial sun, they have a hint of blue, and with more sun, they are yellow-green.
Height, when mature, is 3-6 feet, and width, 5-10 feet. Overall height and width largely depend on how the stems grow. When old leaves fall off, they expose the smooth light gray stem, which grows taller with age, similar to how palm tree and yucca trunks develop. The stems can curve in different shapes such as "n" or "c" or grow straight up.
At the end of its life, the agave will develop a very tall flower stalk that can reach 10 feet high. The dropping, curved shape of the flower stalk gives Agave attenuata its many nicknames such as Foxtail agave, Lion's tail agave, Swan's neck agave, and Gooseneck succulent. The small flowers are green, yellow, and white. Soon thereafter, seed pods will emerge.
Agave attenuatas can have a bluish tint in shade and yellowish tint in the sun
Agave Attenuata Landscaping Tips
Foxtail agave has a softer look compared to the typical agave, with its broad leaves, fully open rosette shape, and the non-spiny terminal ends. Gardeners commonly use flowers and other shrubs to soften the look of a drought-tolerant garden. Foxtail agave would also be a great candidate for balancing out lots of spiky agaves and cacti.
As it matures, it will also add a whimsical look to the landscape, with its stem that sprouts from the soil, and also, with its gigantic flower stalk when it blooms.
Agave attenuata has a wide tolerance for water levels as long as it has well-draining soil, so it can be planted among plants that require more water.
Agave Attenuata Origin
Agave attenuata is from higher altitudes in central Mexico, which enjoy mostly warm and temperate weather and a wide range of rainfall levels.
Agave Attenuata Care
Soil: Loose, well-draining soil that is lightly fertile.
Temperature: Can withstand temperatures down to 30 degrees for a short period of time.
Water: Occasional, deep watering. Allow the soil to completely dry out between waterings. Either use a moisture meter or stick your finger through the soil to gauge the moisture level. It’s better to err on the side of underwatering than overwatering.
Sun: Full sun. Partial shade in areas that get intense heat.
Agave Attenuata Problems
Pests: Agave blue glow has minimal pests. Fungal diseases from root rot, dry rot, and harsh weather conditions.
Signs of overwatering: Drooping, squishy texture (especially at the bottom of the agave)
Signs of too little water: Shriveling, drying skin
Signs of too much sun: Burning, scarring, fading color
Signs of too little sun: Etiolation, discoloring
Agave Attenuata Propagation
Agave attenuata produces a generous number of offsets over its lifespan. These offsets can be easily transplanted.
Otherwise, propagate via seeds once it develops a flower stalk.
FAQ
Agave attenuata for sale at the nursery in a 5 gallon container
Summary
| SIZE (H X W) | 3-6 feet x 5-10 feet |
|---|---|
| FLOWER COLOR | Green/Yellow |
| FLOWER SEASON | Infrequent |
| EXPOSURE | Full Sun |
| WATER | Low |
| GROWTH RATE | Moderate |
| HARDINESS | 20-25º F, USDA Zone 9 |
| PRUNING | None |
How much does Agave Attenuata cost?
At our nursery, Agave attenuata costs $15 for a 1-gallon container, $45 for a 5-gallon container, $120 for a 15-gallon container, and $225 for a 24" box.
Prices are subject to change. Please contact us for the most up-to-date information on pricing. We may have larger sizes available. We provide installation services locally at a separate cost.
How fast does fox tail agave grow?
Foxtail agave grows pretty slowly, typically growing only a few inches a year.
Should I trim Agave attenuata?
To tidy up its appearance, it is safe to remove any dead leaves at the very bottom. However, when trimming leaves that are not at the bottom, keep the pruning light so that you do not damage the plant.
Overall, this agave requires very little maintenance.