Agaves are one of our favorite plants for their beauty and strength. Since the plants thrive even when neglected, they are a perfect choice for gardens, patios, or even large balconies. As long as they have a good drainage and are not over watered, they will do well. You also don't want to over-fertilize them, as it will encourage flowering and most of them die after bloom. Many of you might think of agaves as much too large for a small garden, but many varieties don't grow bigger than 2-4 feet tall. They come in a variety of colors and their sculptural beauty can add to any garden.

Agaves can easily become a centerpiece of a garden or patio. They provide a great balance to more wild growing plants or even wildflowers. They look great with trees, shrubs, and perennials. Agaves' wide range of colors can create a nice contrast when grouped with other plants.

Check out more varieties of agaves on the Sunset website. Follow this link to learn more about them and what are the ideal condition for growing agaves.

FIRST ROW
• 1 A. montana (size: 4 feet tall by 5 feet wide)
• 2 A. potatorum (size: 2 feet in diameter)
• 3 A. attenuata 'Variegata' (leaves grow from a 5 foot-tall trunk)
• 4 A. macroacantha (size: 1½-foot wide)
• 5 A. victoriae-reginae (size: 18" across)

SECOND ROW
• 6 Agave 'Blue Glow' (leaves are 2½ feet long)
• 7 Agave Parryi with sedums, aloes, and aeonium
• 8 A. americana with Senecio mandraliscae, aloes, and resemary 'Severn Sea'

Photos: Sunset Magazine