Common name:Century Plant, Maguey
Botanical name:Agave americana
This plant is fast growing to about 6'-10' tall and 8'-13' wide. Wide gray leaves have stiff terminal spines and recurved teeth on margins. It prefers full sun and well-drained situations. After blooming, which could take several years, it will die but will send up new pups from around the base. Some people are allergic to the sap. Removal is difficult if unwanted.
Common name:Fox Tail Agave, Velvet Agave
Botanical name:Agave attenuata
This Agave has a dramatic tropical form. Even light frost can damage its succulent leaves. It is great for containers. In the low desert, partial sun will be best. If it becomes top heavy, simply cut and stick in the ground to root. It is not a fast grower and has light green foliage. It will also die after flowering but pups around the mother will survive. Distinctive with its large rosette of leaves perched on a long curving trunk, it is a native from Mexico.
Common name:Crown Of Thorns
Botanical name:Euphorbia milii
This woody shrub will grow 1'-4' tall and has brown gray stems with bright green leaves and bright red flowers on top. It is covered with long sharp thorns. It will do well in partial shade to full sun and dry soil.
Common name:Kleinia
Botanical name:Senecio mandraliscae
This succulent perennial will grow to about 1.5' tall and 2' wide. It has curved, bluish gray leaves that are about 3.5" long and very slender.
Photographer: GardenSoft
Maintain a two to four inch layer of mulch on the soil surface to reduce weeds, infiltrate rain water, and reduce compaction.
Check the soil's moisture level before watering.
You can reduce your water use 20-50% by regularly checking the soil before watering.
Drip and other smart irrigation delivers water directly to roots, allowing no excess water for weeds.
