Agave Franzosinii

Agave franzosinii is one of the largest agave species, native to Mexico. Its massive, fan-shaped rosette of broad, heavily glaucous silver-blue to powdery blue leaves can reach 150–300 cm tall and more than 200 cm across at maturity. Marginal teeth are relatively small, while the terminal spine is sharp and elongated. Growth is slow relative to its ultimate size, but the plant eventually becomes enormous and is therefore best suited to in-ground planting; container cultivation is practical only for young specimens. Full sun is essential, and a large outdoor space is necessary to appreciate the plant's full grandeur. In the ground, natural rainfall generally suffices; in containers, water when the soil dries. Cold hardiness extends to about -5°C. The combination of extraordinary scale and exquisite blue coloration makes A. franzosinii one of the most spectacular landscape plants in the genus. It remains difficult to source but represents the ultimate agave aspiration for collectors with adequate space.

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