| AGAVE SCHIDIGERA DURANGO DELIGHT tm |
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DESCRIPTION: Agave schidigera is a small or medium sized plant that grows to 2-3 feet across and 2 feet tall. The dark green leaves are 1 to 1.5 feet long and 1 inch wide at their widest point. The are decorated with white markings and thin white marginal fibers. Plants that are five to ten years old consist of 100-150 leaves which radiate uniformly from the center giving the plants a very symmetrical shape. There are no marginal teeth on the leaves; however, the tip is very sharp and can inflict some damage. The flower stalk is 10 feet to 12 feet tall and is densely loaded with dark purple flowers. ORNAMENTAL FEATURES: Durango Delight ™ (Trademark name by Starr Nursery) is a very symmetrical plant with straight leaves. Some populations of Agave schidigera have slightly curved leaves that detract from the symmetry. The small size, very decorative leaves and toothless nature combine to make this a very desirable plant for landscaping around houses and small patio areas. CULTURE/MAINTENANCE: Agave schidigera is tolerant of most southwestern soils. The only requirement is that it have good drainage and not be waterlogged. Plants have a moderate growth rate, responding some to supplemental water during the growing season (spring through early fall). Plants may benefit from fertilizing in spring and monsoon season. I have grown plants from the Durango Delight ™ population for 12 years. Plants have been subjected to winter lows of 17 degrees without suffering any damage. The only damage I have seen on any plants was from early morning overhead watering in the winter. The water froze and resulted in pockmarks on the leaves. Plants should be drip watered when in the ground. IDENTIFICATION: Durango Delight ™ is easily recognized by its very symmetrical shape, the dark green, sword like leaves with distinctive white markings, and the white marginal fibers. The only Agave species that this could be confused with is Agave filifera. These two are separated by the non-offsetting nature of Agave schidigera compared to the offsetting nature of Agave filifera. LANDSCAPE APPLICATION: Agave schidigera is quite versatile. Because of their symmetrical form and relatively small size, plants are very attractive when grown in pots. They work well in full sun or filtered light and can be placed in any zone of a xeriscape. Also, because of the small size, they can be used effectively in spaces as small as 2 feet or 3 feet wide. Plants can be grouped together or planted among boulders in a rock or cactus garden. They work well with perennials such as Ageratum corymbosum Butterfly Blue ™, Amsonia palmeri, Dyssodia pentachaeta, Eupatorium greggii Boothill ™, Hymenoxys acaulis, and Zephyranthes citrina. Some small shrubs that go well with this Agave are Dalea capitata Sierra Gold ™, Penstemon baccharifolius Del Rio ™, and Salvia greggii. Some plants that could be used as an over-story to shade the should be treated two or three times a year for the Agave weevil that tunnels into the stem. Also, there is a type of sucking insect that may cause leaf spotting. This can be treated with a systemic insecticide. Do not apply overhead water early in the morning in the winter as the water may freeze on the leaves and cause spotting.
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| COPYRIGHT BY GREG STARR - STARR NURSERY 1996-2001 |
