Common name: Butterfly agave

Description: Agave potatorum is a compact, beautifully formed agave with broad, blue-grey to blue-green leaves arranged in an elegant rosette. The leaf margins carry attractive reddish-brown teeth and the terminal spine is notably dark and prominent, adding to its ornamental appeal. Native to the highlands of Mexico, it is more tolerant of cooler, damp conditions than many agaves and makes a superb container specimen or focal point in a sheltered border.

Other benefits: excellent for containers, architectural specimen, drought tolerant, low maintenance, deer resistant

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 0.6m x 0.8m

Position: Full sun to partial shade; sheltered from severe frost; benefits from winter protection

Soil pH: Neutral; tolerates a range of well-drained soils

Moisture: Drought tolerant once established; requires good drainage; more tolerant of moisture than many agaves

Winter hardiness: Cold hardy to approximately -8C with good drainage