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Agave
colorata
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Description:
Agave colorata is a small to medium sized plant growing
to 2-4 feet high and 2-4 feet wide. Striking, powder blue-gray
leaves are relatively short and broad, measuring 1.5 - 2.5
feet long and 7 inches wide at the widest point. The leaves
have impressions on both sides from the teeth and terminal
spine of the leaves both above and below. The leaf edges are
adorned with dark brown teeth and a 2 inch long terminal
spine. A 10 foot tall panicle with yellow flowers appears in
late spring and early summer. The flowering stalk signals the
end of that plants’ life cycle, and a new plant will need to
be planted to replace the one that is flowering. There are two
forms of Agave colorata in cultivation. One is smaller,
about 2.5 feet high and 2.5 feet wide. The individual leaves
are nearly spoon shaped, 1.5 feet long and very broad towards
the end. The other form is larger, growing to 4 feet high and
4 feet wide. The leaves are more sword shaped, measuring 2.5
feet long and not noticeably wider anywhere along their
length.
Habitat and Distribution: Agave colorata is found
in Palm Canyons along the coast of southern Sonora, with thorn
forest vegetation in isolated mountains of southern Sonora and
even pine-oak vegetation on isolated mountains in northern
Sinaloa.
Culture: This Agave is hardy to at least 17 degrees if that low is not prolonged. Plants are very drought tolerant, surviving and flowering on only 11 inches of annual rainfall. They have a slow to moderate growth rate depending on whether supplemental water is applied. It is usually best to supply some supplemental water until plants are established. Use Agave colorata in full sun or very minimal filtered sun. The leaves seem to color up best with maximum sunlight. As with most other succulent plants, these need a soil with good drainage. I have seen them planted in native soil that is very rocky. They do not need a large planting hole or a soil enriched with organic material. Plants require virtually no maintenance once they are established. There is no need to prune this plant. However, the plants will need to be removed after flowering because the parent plant will die. The clump will not be lost though as there will be offsets to replace the dead plant.
Uses: Agave colorata can be used as a bold accent plant in the transition and outer zones of a xeriscape. Plants develop the best form and color when placed in full sun. They combine well with drought tolerant perennials and small shrubs.
Precautions: Agave colorata is a tough, low maintenance, drought tolerant plant that is easily grown in most landscapes. There has been a small insect that will suck the juices out of the leaves. The insect has shown up on most species of Agave and should be controlled with a contact insecticide. Other than this, there are no drawbacks to using Agave colorata.
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