John Rickard
Family
Agavaceae
Botanical Name
Agave victoriae-reginae
Plant Common Name
Queen Victoria Agave, Queen Victoria Century Plant
General Description
Considered the queen of agaves with its geometric leaves and rounded form, this small succulent evergreen rules tabletop container gardens and is a crowning glory for arid landscapes. Nearly extinct in the wild largely due to collecting, this Mexican native is protected by laws prohibiting possession of wild gathered plants. What makes this species so coveted is its exceptional geometric beauty, with symmetrical rosettes of distinctive triangular leaves of dull to deep green outlined and accentuated by white lines.
A notoriously slow growing plant, its rock hard leaves and spherical form lend themselves perfectly to solitary dish gardens. Adults produce their towering flower stalk at about twenty years old, dying immediately afterwards. In cultivation flowering may occur sooner or later depending on the individual and growing conditions.
Due to cost and limited availability, this plant is primarily grown and then sold in containers. The Queen Victoria agave require perfect drainage and ample sun, but benefit from afternoon shade in low desert gardens. Excessive summer moisture can cause rot. Gardens centers sometimes offer seedlings which can be grown outside in containers and then brought indoors over winter. Use it as a container specimen or as a singular accent in a rock garden or desert landscape. It is exceptional in sparse clusters in a low groundcover that accentuates both its form and leaf colorations.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 5
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USDA Hardiness Zone
9 - 11
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Sunset Zone
10, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Cactus or Succulent
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
8"-12" / 20.3cm - 30.5cm
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Width
20"-27" / 50.8cm - 68.6cm
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Bloom Time
Summer
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Native To
Mexico
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought, Salt
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Growth Rate
Very Slow
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Water Requirements
Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant
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Habit
Rosette/Stemless
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Green, Ivory
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Fruit Color
Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
White, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier
Variegated
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Foliage Color (Summer)
White, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier
Variegated
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Foliage Color (Fall)
White, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier
Variegated
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Foliage Color (Winter)
White, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier
Variegated
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Bold
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Feature Plant, Houseplant, Rock Garden / Wall, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
Yes
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
