Agaves are perennial succulents that thrive in warm climates, yet generally abhor excessive water. More than 250 genius or species of agaves flourish in a dry environment. Certain types of agave, like blue agave (Agave azul) and green maguey (Agave salmiana), are considered as the primary ingredient in the distilled liquors Tequila and Mezcal. Most agaves produce ‘pups’ – young plants from runners. With patience you can build your own assortment of agaves.

Agaves prefer well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level. Avoid planting in soil that retains moisture or becomes waterlogged. Some are more cold-tolerant than others, but they can’t handle damp cold. I make it easier to keep my Agaves in pots, spreading them in my gardens in the dry months of July, August, September and even October. When the cold wet winter arrives in the Pacific Northwest I will move the pots into my 8 X14 cool greenhouse, where I make sure minimum water and no lower than 40 degrees keep the agaves happy and ready for the next season.

Like so many gardeners I make mistakes such as forgetting to put my Agave Parryi in a sheltered place after a week of heavy rains. Here’s an example of what that happens to a plant I’ve neglected.

I neglected to bring this Agave in from the rain we had in September and October. You can see the edges suffered the most (dirty and wet). My bad.