Agave Victoriae Reginae is a compact, spineless agave. Its sculptured leaves have a distinctive white pinstriping that acts as an accent. It is exceptionally long-lived, blooming only once before its death. The bloom stalk, when it appears, will grow to a magnificent height, culminating in lovely pink blossoms.
Like many agaves, it is native to Mexico. This particular agave originates in the Chihuahuan Desert. It is cold hardy to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, preferring full sun or light shade. This particular agave is extremely slow growing, eventually reaching the size of a beach ball before its final, swan-song blossom. Sometimes confused with Fernandi, the Victoriae Reginae was named for Queen Victoria I by botanist Thomas Moore.
Like most agave plants, it is a succulent monocot that requires little water and moderate amounts of care. When grown in northerly areas, it is recommended that it be wintered in a warm enclosure.
Scientific Information:
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Agave
Species: Victoriae Reginae
Thanks to its compact size and slow growth, Agave Victoria Reginae makes an excellent accent plant, perfect for rock gardens, Mediterranean, or low-water garden areas. It produces few pups, and therefore is consistent in its space requirements reducing the need for adjustments to bed arrangements.