Agave plants are typically associated with hot, arid climates, particularly in regions like Mexico and the southwestern United States. Known for their striking silhouettes and ability to thrive with minimal water, these plants are perfect for xeriscapes and sun-drenched gardens. However, not all agave species are heat-dependent. Some varieties are incredibly cold-hardy, making them ideal for gardeners in regions with cooler climates. Here’s a look at 15 agave types that can withstand chilly temperatures.
1. Durango Delight (Agave schidigera)
Durango Delight is a compact agave variety that features curly white hairs on dense leaves. When it flowers, it sends up a tall red-purple stalk. This agave is hardy to 10°F and thrives in full sun with minimal watering.
- Size: 18-24 inches tall, 2 feet wide
- Zones: 8-10b
2. Artichoke Agave (Agave parryi var. truncata)
Resembling the vegetable, this agave has tightly curled leaves with tiny red teeth. It can handle both full sun and part shade and is hardy to 15°F, making it an excellent choice for varied climates.
- Size: 2-3 feet tall, 2-4 feet wide
- Zones: 6-11
3. Fox Tail Agave (Agave attenuata)
Known for its smooth, pale green leaves, Fox Tail Agave features an arching flower stalk and is hardy to 25°F. Its soft appearance is ideal for gardeners who prefer an agave without spiky edges.
- Size: 2-3 feet tall, 2-4 feet wide
- Zones: 9-12
4. Blue Glow Agave (Agave attenuata x Agave ocahui)
The striking blue-green leaves with red edges make Blue Glow a popular choice for garden designers. This agave is compact, slow-growing, and hardy to 25°F.
- Size: 18-24 inches tall, 2-3 feet wide
- Zones: 8-11
5. Queen Victoria Agave (Agave victoriae-reginae)
With dark green leaves arranged in a symmetrical rosette, Queen Victoria is a rare and stately variety that can withstand 12°F temperatures.
- Size: 1 foot tall, 18 inches wide
- Zones: 7-11
6. Dwarf Butterfly Agave (Agave potatorum)
Native to Japan, the Dwarf Butterfly Agave has gray-blue leaves with red teeth. It’s compact and hardy to 25°F, perfect for small gardens and container planting.
- Size: 1 foot tall, 18 inches wide
- Zones: 8-11
7. Ocahui Agave (Agave ocahui)
Characterized by narrow, straight leaves, Ocahui Agave has a yucca-like appearance. Hardy to 15°F, it doesn’t produce offsets, making it unique among agave varieties.
- Size: 2 feet tall, 3 feet wide
- Zones: 8-11
8. Huachuca Agave (Agave parryi var. huachucensis)
With its silver leaves tipped in black, Huachuca Agave is another form of artichoke agave. It is hardy to 10°F and produces offsets before it dies after flowering.
- Size: 18-24 inches tall, 2-3 feet wide
- Zones: 8-12
9. Octopus Agave (Agave vilmoriniana)
The Octopus Agave is aptly named for its gracefully curling leaves. It is cold-hardy to 25°F and produces plantlets near its bloom for easy propagation after flowering.
- Size: 3-4 feet tall, 5-6 feet wide
- Zones: 9-11
10. Arizona Star Agave (Agave weberi)
Arizona Star’s yellow-striped leaves make it a standout in the landscape. This large agave is hardy to 10°F and works well as a dramatic focal point in gardens.
- Size: 4-5 feet tall, 6-8 feet wide
- Zones: 8b-10b
11. Weber’s Blue Tequila Agave (Agave tequilana)
Famous for its use in making tequila, Weber’s Blue Tequila is also a striking plant with sword-like leaves. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F.
- Size: 5-8 feet tall, 5-8 feet wide
- Zones: 9-10
12. Americana Variegata Agave (Agave americana variegata)
Known for its yellow-variegated leaves, this variety is hardy to 10°F and thrives in full sun or part shade.
- Size: 6 feet tall, 8 feet wide
- Zones: 8a-11b
13. Quadricolor Agave (Agave lophantha)
Small but impactful, the Quadricolor Agave has variegated yellow and green leaves, accented by red teeth. It is hardy to 10°F and ideal for adding texture to any garden.
- Size: 1-2 feet tall, 1-2 feet wide
- Zones: 8-11
14. Narrow-Leaved Century Plant (Agave striata)
With long, stiff leaves that resemble porcupine quills, this century plant is very cold-hardy, surviving temperatures as low as 0°F. It blooms golden flowers that attract hummingbirds.
- Size: 1-2 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
- Zones: 7-11
15. Havard Agave (Agave havardiana)
Native to Texas, the Havard Agave is capable of thriving even in extreme cold, tolerating temperatures as low as -20°F. This large agave has broad, silver-blue leaves lined with tiny teeth.
- Size: 2-3 feet tall, 3-4 feet wide
- Zones: 5-10
Conclusion: Agave for All Climates
Whether you live in a cold or warm climate, these cold-hardy agave varieties offer a stunning and durable option for any garden. Their low-maintenance care and unique forms make them perfect for xeriscaping or adding a touch of the desert to your landscape.
