The graceful Octopus Agave brings texture and contrast to a drought-tolerant garden.
You probably won't use the words graceful to describe a succulent, but that's the first thing that comes to mind when I see the curved leaves of the octopus agave (Agave vilmoriniana) see. This type of agave has atropicalAppearance and is unique among agaves with large leaves with smooth edges. Their long, fleshy leaves are also impressive.
The Mexican succulent grows beautifully in both sunny conditions and light damage and is ideal for use in drought-tolerant gardens where its graceful leaves add great textural contrast to the garden landscape.
Agave Vilmoriniana: What is important to know?
Botanical name:Agave vilmoriniana
Common name:The Octopus Agave
Origin:from the northwestern regions of Mexico
Where they grow:Very difficult at temperatures below 0 degrees C
Water requirements:The octopus agave is a drought tolerant plant, but it would be best if it is watered thoroughly twice a month in summer and once a month in spring and fall.
Light requirements:Full sun to partial shade; Areas with reflected sun rays must be avoided.
Height as a mature plant:Up to 1 meter high and up to 1.5 meters wide
Advantages and tolerances:Drought tolerant
When to plant:Fall or spring are the best seasons to plant octopus agave. This is done by seedlings produced from their flower stalk.
Agave Vilmoriniana: Special characteristics
The leaves of the octopus agave are thick and fleshy, especially at their base. The leaves arch and form curves as they grow, adding an especially exotic look to any drought-tolerant garden. Older specimens of this agave, with their curved “arms,” resemble an octopus, which is where the name of this succulent comes from. The leaves also look very attractive, they are light green, with a slight blue tint and are smooth on the sides.
As already mentioned, the octopus agave is very drought tolerant. It would be best to water thoroughly once every 10 to 14 days in summer and once in winter
Variegated forms of octopus agaves are also available, such as Agave vilmoriniana 'Variegata' and 'Stained Glass', shown here, which have yellowing on the edges of the leaves.
Octopus agave seedlings on the flower stalk
This fast-growing agave can reach mature size only within two years of planting if given additional irrigation. A large flower stalk will appear seven to 10 years after planting. The growth rate of the stem is impressive; it seems to grow several centimeters per day.
The bulbs grow on miniature agaves that can be removed and planted in the garden.
The parent plant declines and dies within a few months of flowering, as happens with the majority of agave species. However, you can remove one or more of the small bulbs from the flower stalk and grow beautiful Octopus Agave plants. You'll never have to buy new agave again.
How to use this succulent?
Octopus agaves have a wide range of importance for the garden landscape. They also thrive at home under the light shade of trees and look great planted in a group of succulents, including cacti. The octopus agaves provide textural contrast in a wildflower garden.
Shrubs that look good next to octopus agave include fall sage (Salvia greggii), blue bells (Eremophila hygrophana 'Blue Bells'), and Valentine bush (Eremophila maculata 'Valentine'). For a contemporary design, plant Agave Octopus in straight rows in front of pink ornamental grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) or behind a row of golden cacti.
Beautiful octopus agave plants as container plants
Succulents make great container plants, and agave is no exception. The octopus agave here makes a statement on its own in a big waycontainerplanted.
Agave Vilmoriniana: Pflanzhinweise
Plant your octopus agave in well-drained soil. If you prefer planting in a container, use a potting mix that is specifically for succulents and ensures the plants have good drainage.
Place the agave in a location in full sun or partial shade, which is best for this succulent. Such places should be avoided in low desert areas where the afternoon sun is too hot.
Water thoroughly once every 10 to 14 days when leaves turn yellow in summer; they should turn green once again when cooler temperatures return in fall. Alternatively, you can move the agave to another location in the garden in partial shade.
