Agave victoriae-reginae (18/10/2014, Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid)
Position: Full sun
Flowering period: Summer (After approximately 20 years)
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 25cm (flower spike 4m)
Eventual Spread: 50cm
Hardiness: 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11
Family: Asparagaceae
Sub Family: Agavoideae
Agave victoriae-reginae is an evergreen, rosette forming shrub. Its fleshy grey/ green leaves are strap shaped with distinctive white markings, up to 25m long, 35mm broad, with terminal spins. It leaves are arranged in a rosette. Its flowers are variable in colour and appear at the top of a tall, erect flower stalk. Each plant flowers once, usually after 20 years, after flowering it dies. It produces rhizome like offsets which helps the spread of this plant. Its root system is shallow and fibrous.
Agave victoriae-reginae, commonly known as the Queen Victoria Century plant or Royal Agave, is native to the Mexico/ USA border region. In its native habitat it grows in desert to semi-desert conditions.
The etymological root of the binomial name Agave is derived from Greek mythology being the daughter of Cadmus, who supposedly founded the city of Thebes. Victoriae-reginae is named after Queen Victoria of England.
The landscape architect may find Agave victoriae-reginae useful as a dramatic specimen plant suitable for xeriscaping. Once established this plant is drought tolerant.
Agave victoriae-reginae Leaf (18/10/2014, Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid)
Ecologically, Agave victoriae-reginae flowers are attractive to nectar loving birds and pollinating insects.
Agave victoriae-reginae prefers moist, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It will not tolerate wet soils. It will tolerate poor soils.
Agave victoriae-reginae requires little maintenance.
