Agave ovatifolia 'Frosty Blue'

Common Name: Agave, Whale's Tongue Agave

This graceful, broad form of Agave grows relatively quickly to form a solitary rosette of short, broad, cupped leaves lined with small teeth and tipped with steel grey, terminal spines. Its distinctive powdery grey color has almost a turquoise cast to it according to Sean Hogan, owner of Cistus Nursery where this plant originated.

This is one of the most cold hardy Agaves, tolerating temperatures as low as 5°F.

At the end of its lifecycle, a majestic 10-14 foot spire carries interesting greenish yellow flowers.

The common name "Century Plant" is alluding to the belief that it takes 100 years to bloom. In reality, Agaves bloom after 15-20 years, and the main crown dies after blooming.

Available Sizes (Wholesale):

Product Profile

72ct Plug Tray

Height:

2.0-3.0 Feet

Spread:

3.0-6.0 Feet

Hardiness Zones:

7B,8,9,10

Flower Color:

Yellow/Gold Shades

Foliage Color:

Blue shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Low Water Needs Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Poor Soil Quality Average Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0) Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant Rabbit Resistant

Growth Rate:

Slow

Garden Style:

Asian Patio Container Eclectic Formal Modern Rock Garden

Other Features:

Container Drought Tolerant Attractive Foliage

Origin:

Native to North America

Agave is a tender perennial or "temperennial" succulent plant that grows best in full sun. Light afternoon shade is recommended in the hottest parts of the country. Plant in well-drained, dry to average soil in containers just slightly wider than the width of the rosette or plant directly in the ground. In summer when the plants are actively growing, they appreciate a bit of supplemental watering and half-strength fertilizer. They should be grown dry in winter. Agave is a slower grower, so it will not quickly overtake the space it is allotted in the landscape.

Agave

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72ct

Container:

1 Quart (8 Count)

When to Plant:

Early Summer

Finish:

14 - 16 weeks

Growing Temperature:

68 - 75° F

Holding Temperature:

60-65° F

Soil PH:

6.2-6.8

EC (What is EC?):

1.0-1.25 pour through method

Fertility:

Feed once every two weeks with a light 100 ppm drench of liquid fertilizer.
Do not over feed.

For Controlled Release or Slow Release Fertilizer, see your preferred supplier for recommended rates for incorporation or top dressing, as it varies by fertilizer.

Vernalization:

Avoid cold temperatures.

Pests & Diseases:

Avoid wet conditions as this leads to crown and root rots.

Potting & Timing:

Plant small plugs into 1 quart pots in early summer.
Use a growing media with extremely good drainage.
Agave are very slow growers. Expect them to take 14 - 16 weeks to fill out the container.

Moisture:

Agave prefer slightly dry to moderate moisture.
Do not overwater.

Planting Level:

Crown even with soil line.

Lighting:

Provide high light levels.
Supplemental lighting is recommended for the winter holding period to prevent plant stretch.

Other Comments:

Be careful when handling Agave as the plants contain extremely sharp tips at the end of the foliage.

Grower Tips:

Agave should be held at warm temperatures above 60 degrees F through the winter.
Extended cool temperatures can cause the plant to decline. It is best to provide light in the winter months to prevent the plants from stretching.
Plants should be held slightly dry during this time but be sure to avoid excessive dryness.

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