Agave Angustifolia v. marginata

Description: Agave angustifolia v. marginata, or the Caribbean Agave, is a cultivar developed in India in the 19th century and naturalized in the Caribbean. It features narrow, pointed leaves with prominent cream-colored or whitish margins and marginal teeth, growing in a dense rosette. Smaller in stature than A. tequilana v. weber azul and other angustifolias, it nevertheless has piñas of  similar size. It is a rapid grower and will perform beautifully in water-wise landscaping. We have heard that it makes a fine spirit as well, though we have yet personally to taste spirits made from this variety.   Estimated Size: 3-5ft tall and 4-6ft wide. Estimated Time to Maturity: 6-10 years. Propagation: Pups, bulbils. Uses: Spirits, landscaping. Care: Prefers full sun, high drought tolerance, hardy to around 25°F. This variety comes to us from Southern California, where it reputedly is more cold and wet tolerant than other angustifolias. Suggest planting 11-12ft centers and 6ft down the row. Note: There is a great deal of scientific and academic literature, as well as practical experience from Mexico, regarding the lifespan of various agave species. In our experience, however, this information is not always correct for agaves grown in California--and in Northern California in particular, where most species have a limited track record of production. Our maturity estimates represent our best guesses based on our review of available information and the speed at which agaves are growing for us. Your experience may vary!