Agave Palmeri

Had a visit to Dobbies garden centre today, they had quite a few bargains, I bought the Agave Palmeri for half price at �£3.50. I have never grown one before, does anyone have one and do they need any special treatment.

 

Where do you plan on putting this plant, dalbuie? In a greenhouse / conservatory?

It is one of the Century Plants and can grow exceptionally large. It likes dry, sandy soil and full sun. It can tolerate cold conditions at night ... but I'm not sure about your location.

I don't have one because of their size and spikes but perhaps one of the Med guys can advise you on care for it in the UK.

 

Thanks LoL, I planned on planting it in the gound, the spot I was thinking of is very sheltered and quite a sun trap. The soil is very sandy, so far things are looking good but I'm a bit worried about the winter.

 

I've just seen it on a site called "Easy Cactus" - which says it's hardy in the UK - so, if they reckon Scotland is part of the UK, you should be all right, Dalbuie!! :D http://www.easycactus.co.uk/shop/customer/product.php?productid=34106

BTW - I was at the Dobies in Stirling last weekend - a great place, and 20% off outdoor plants, so I got quite a few for my new front garden :rolleyes:

 

Thanks dendrobium,I had a look and things are looking very hopeful. We went to Dobbies in Edinburgh two weeks ago and they were also selling their display models of geenhouses at 25% off.

 

dalbuie, I grow a few agaves, and although they are reputed to be hardy its usually only if dry, or at least in a very dry but cold atmosphere.
I've not tried palmeri but I do have others.
I have americana outside planted right up against the house wall, and with some rain protection it survives, still gets black spots some times though.
Rot is the real problem, and on a cold foggy day in December, there's not much you can do. If its big it might survive, if its small I'd try to keep it protected.

 

I reckon Pete's right. I'd always err on the side of caution - Scotland isn't exactly renowned for dry coldness....

 

Pete, as I understand it .. and could be wrong .. A palmrii is the same as the americana.

http://www.cactus-succulents.com/agave-palmerii.jpg

 

I thought it was a different species, the pics I saw made it look very different, could be wrong though.
Either way, as dendy says, although its surviving in this part of Kent its a bit borderline, so Scotland other than the west coast could be pushing it a bit.

 

THe two in that pic look different to me L of L, the one in the foreground looks like americana, the one behind could be palmeri.

 

Might agree, Pete, MIGHT! Does look like the one in the front has spikes and not the one in back!?

Who are we to disagree, I ask?

Say nada, Dendro!

 

nada! :D

 

I have had a couple of Agaves in the past, but removed them and gave them away ....being spiked by the Yukka is enough :D however I agree totally with Pete, they need to be in a DRY climate; whilst they can withstand fairly low temperatures, they cannot stand getting wet and cold ..they just go to a pulp....we have them fairly local to us and they do really well, some of them are HUGE .....lovely plants - alternatively I had some success with one in a large pot....but moving it about became impossible even on wheels !! if yours does survive, be careful, those spiky points are lethal !! M-L

 

Agree, M-L, 100% ... say nada, Dedro!

 

Hi Dalbuie, as mentioned by a few others on here I think the trick with Agaves in this country is to keep them as dry as possible over the winter (the cold isn't as much of a problem).
Last year I bought an old table (�£2) from a second hand store, took the top off, kept the frame and covered the top with bubble wrap so light was allowed in but no moisture.
I put my 2 agaves and a few succulents under it - they all came through the winter a treat.
Hope this helps
Fletch