Schott’s Agave
Schott’s Agave is a unique member of the Agave genus in the subgenus Littaea, classified as such for its lack of spines along its leaves, though it still can give you a stab with the spine at the end of its leaf tips, giving it another common name of “shin dagger”. Schott’s Agave looks almost more like a yucca with its thin leaves and filaments curling off the leaves but the rosette is distinctly agave-like. Very drought tolerant and sculptural! Excellent planted with grasses, Opuntia, Choisya’s, or Manzanitas!
Plant in extremely well draining soil in the brightest conditions if planting in ground. Otherwise it makes a fantastic container specimen and can be brought indoors when very cold weather is in the forecast.
Latin Name: Agave schottii
Site and Soil: Full sun and very well-drained soil. Very drought tolerant once established and it will need little to no supplemental watering during the summer season, though a bit of summer water speeds growth.
Hardiness: Hardy to approx. 5-10º F, possibly lower with great drainage.
Size at Maturity: 2 ft. in height by 3 ft. wide
Bloom Time: early spring through summer every decade or so
Pests & Diseases: Not bothered by pests or diseases.
USDA Zone: 7b