Queen Victoria Agave (Agave victoriae-reginae) Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 31st Jan 2024
- Plant Characteristics: Agave victoriae-reginae is celebrated for its compact size and striking geometric form, with dense rosettes of smooth, dark green leaves edged with white markings. Its rarity and elegance make it a sought-after specimen for collectors.
- Growing & Care: Prefers full sun to light shade and well-drained soil. Although more cold-tolerant than many other Agaves it should be protected from frost. Water sparingly to avoid root rot and provide good air circulation.
- Tips for New Gardeners: Ideal for beginners due to its small size and ease of care. Great for container gardening. Be mindful to avoid overwatering and provide ample sunlight for optimal growth and leaf coloration.
Agave Victoriae-reginae is a small succulent that belongs to the Agavaceae family.
It is able to grow well in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11, and as H2 in the UK.
Thus, though tolerant of temperatures below freezing, it is best not to grow in areas of deep frost.
Agave victoriae-reginae at Huasteca Canyon, Nuevo Leon photograph by Amante Darmanin.
It is a slow-growing plant that forms a small clump that is about 30 cm (1 foot) tall and 45 cm (18 inches) feet in width.
The plant only flowers once in its lifetime, and that is when it is at the end of its lifespan. It is known for the white lines that outline the deep green spiked leaves.
The plant will grow a tall spike about of up to 4.5 m (15 feet). At the end of the spike, fragrant flower clusters that are reddish-purple will form.
Agave de la Reine Victoria, image by Amante Darmanin, under CC.
The plant was named in honor of Queen Victoria. Other common names include Royal Agave, Victoria Agave, Queen Victoria Century Plant, and Queen Victoria Agave.
Gardener's HQ Guide to Growing Queen Victoria Agave
When planting outside, the Agave Victoriae-reginae needs full sun.
It will need protection from the harsh afternoon sun to prevent burning.
Close up of an Agave victoriae-reginae plant, photograph by Amante Darmanin; CC.
It can easily grow inside when placed on a sunny windowsill. This plant can easily be the show-stopper that the garden needs.
Agave Victoriae-reginae is drought tolerant. However, consider bringing it inside if it is getting a lot of rain.
The plant prefers well-drained, airy soil. The soil needs to contain a sizable amount of grit.
In hot dry climates, watering the plant several times a week is recommended.
The succulent goes dormant in the winter, so it needs little to no water.
Queen Victoria Agave photograph by Alex Lomas; CC.
-
Seed Success: Start Strong with this Ultimate Seed Starter Kit
Elevate your gardening game today by securing your Reusable Seed Starter Tray Kit. Get this must-have for any gardening enthusiast on Amazon and give your seedlings the head start they deserve. Embark on your journey to a bountiful harvest with confidence.
-
Garden Mastery: Unleash Your Potential with the Essential Tool Set
Boost your gardening with the CHRYZTAL Gardening Tool Set. Get this essential kit on Amazon for effortless gardening. A good set of tools is key to a thriving garden; make every cut count. Cultivate with ease and watch your garden flourish.
Agave victoriae-reginae Growing and Care Guide
- Scientific Name: Agave victoriae-reginae.
- Common Name: Queen victoria agave.
- Growing Zone: USA: 9 to 11 / UK H2.
- Life Cycle / Plant Type: Perennial, Succulents and Cacti.
Plant Details
- Plant Height (Inches): 6 to 12.
- Plant Spread (Inches): 6 to 12.
- Time of Bloom: Summer.
- Flower Details: Green, White.
- Leaf Foliage: Blue, Green, Variegated.
- Fruit:
- Growth Form: Rounded.
Ideal Growing Conditions
- Best Light Conditions: Full sunlight.
- Rate of Growth: Grows slowly.
- Suitable Soil Types: Acidic, Clay, Loamy, Neutral, Sandy, Slightly alkaline, Well drained.
- Soil Moisture: Dry to Moist (Medium Moisture is likely gives best results).
Caring Conditions
- Care:
- Level of Maintenance:
- Propagation: Offsets taken in spring or autumn.
- How to Prune: Not usually required.
- Pests: scale insects.
- Diseases: Usually pest free.
Further Information
- Can Attract:
- Tolerant of: Drought.
- Best Garden Use: Container, Ground cover, En masse, Rock garden.
- Family: Asparagaceae.
- Closely Related Species: Asparagus, Yucca, Agave, Scilla.
- Miscellaneous: Entices birdlife to the garden, Attractive foliage, North American native, Some parts are poisonous, Attractive flowers / blooms. Protected species.
- Genus Detail: Agave.
- Further Reading and References: Here and Here.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Agave victoriae-reginae. You may also enjoy the following growing guides: How to grow Scilla and Yucca Plant.
Elevate Your Gardening Game
Weekly Growing & Care Guides for Your Inbox!
Find the insights on this site valuable? Then you're going to love my book: 'The Gardener's HQ Plant Growing Guide'.
Upon purchase, receive the eBook in PDF, MOBI (for Kindle), and ePub (most e-readers and iPad) formats. Also available from Amazon USA, Amazon UK, and iBooks.
