Agave victoriae-reginae

‘Queen Victoria’ Agave

OVERVIEW:

Named after Queen Victoria herself, Agave victoriae-reginae can be found widely spread throughout the Chihuahuan desert. However, despite being found in several areas, there is little to no distribution of them, placing it on the CITIES (convention of international trade in endangered species) list. The A. Victoria is often identified by its dark green, toothless leaves and distinct white markings; no two agaves will have the same white markings/pattern, making the Victoria extraordinarily unique! Typically, each leaf is nearly symmetrical being 2-8” long and 1 ½- 2” wide, with a sharp spine at the tip, producing a prism-like shape. Because they are notorious slow growers, after 20 years they will reach their mature size of 9-15” tall and 10-24” wide and finally produce their first and only bloom.

CLASSIFICATION:

Scientific Name: Agave victorieae-reginae

Common Name: Queen Victoria agave, Royal Agave

Family: Asparagaceae

Monocarpic: dies after 1st and only bloom

Suggested Uses: Great as an accent or potted

CHARACTERISTICS:

Height: 9-15”

Width: 10-24”

Flower: on top of a 15’ stalk are gorgeous purple-red fragrant flowers

Bloom Period: Spring

Fruit: NA

ENVIRONMENT:

USDA Zone: 7b-11

Hardiness- can handle lows of 20F

Sun: Full filtered sun

Water: deeply water monthly, little to no water in winter

Soil: dry, gritty well-draining soils