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types of agave

If you're fascinated by architectural succulents and drought-tolerant plants, exploring the many types of agave is a rewarding journey! Native to the arid landscapes of the Americas, agave species are prized in New Zealand gardens for their striking rosettes, low-care requirements, and bold presence. Whether you’re designing a modern courtyard, coastal garden, or looking for dramatic feature plants in pots, there’s an agave to suit your needs. On this page, discover popular types of agave and their unique features, plus helpful links to individual agave varieties available through our nursery.

Agave attenuata plants with lush, succulent foliage.

Agave attenuata (Foxtail Agave)

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Agave attenuata (Foxtail Agave) is a highly ornamental succulent known for its smooth, spineless leaves and graceful rosettes. Unlike many agaves, it has soft, blue green foliage that forms elegant clumps, making it safer and easier to grow in home gardens. Its tall, arching flower spikes resemble foxtails, creating a dramatic feature in summer. Hardy and drought tolerant, Agave attenuata (Foxtail Agave) is ideal for NZ gardens where style, structure, and resilience are desired.

From $29.95

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Succulents
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 40 cm
Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern, Tropical
agave-americana-variegata--1

Agave americana variegata

Agave americana variegata, commonly known as the Variegated Century Plant, is a large succulent that features broad, powder-blue leaves with yellow stripes. It typically grows to 1.5 m tall and 2 m wide, growing best when planted on a well-drained site in full sun. Agave americana variegata makes for an attractive specimen and is great for including in mixed plantings, using in rock gardens, adding to Mediterranean themed gardens, or planting to stop pedestrians passing through an area.

From $15.95

Suited to regions: Alpine, Temperate
Plant type: Succulents
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses: Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern, Rock
Agave tequilana plants with metallic-blue coloured foliage.
Agave tequilana

Agave tequilana (Tequila Agave) is a bold and dramatic succulent best known as the source of tequila production in Mexico. It features striking...

From$29.95
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Fruit Tree Fertiliser (Fruit Tree Fertiliser)

Fruiting plants respond well to fruit tree fertiliser with better quality produce, higher yields, and a much healthier and brighter looking plant...

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Plagianthus regius as a small tree in a garden.
Plagianthus regius (Ribbonwood)

Plagianthus regius, commonly known as Ribbonwood or Manatu, is one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing native trees. It can reach 10–15 metres tall and...

From$24.77
Pittosporum 'Mountain Green' lush, green foliage.
Pittosporum 'Mountain Green'

Pittosporum 'Mountain Green' is a robust New Zealand native shrub prized for its vibrant green foliage and dense growth. Perfect for creating privacy...

From$22.01
Clonex Rooting Hormone one litre bottle.
Rooting Hormone (Rooting Hormone)

Clonex is the preferred rooting hormone for nurseries across NZ and the world. It is the industry standard for rooting softwood, semi-hardwood, and...

From$181.05
Persimmon 'Fuyu' orange fruit on a table.
Persimmon Fuyu

Persimmon ‘Fuyu’ is a popular non-astringent variety producing sweet, crisp fruit with smooth orange skin. It’s perfect for eating fresh, drying, or...

From$442.93
The best Citrus fertiliser in NZ
Citrus Fertiliser

Applying the correct citrus fertiliser in NZ is essential for achieving better quality fruit, higher yields, and a much healthier and...

From$13.40
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Bahco Grafting Knife

This grafting knife from Bacho is the industry standard for all types of grafting including cleft, side approach, and air layering. The design...

From$107.10
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Tree Fertiliser (Tree Fertiliser)

Using tree fertiliser results in plants having better quality foliage, more profuse flowering, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$13.40
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Victory Gold - 1 Litre

Victory Gold is an herbicide used to control many types of broadleaf weeds in lawns. Susceptible weeds include: cape daisy, catsear, chickweed...

From$186.48
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Native Plant Fertiliser (Native Fertiliser)

Selecting the correct native plant fertiliser is essential as they often tend to be slow growing and so require a tailored nutrient plan to meet...

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Vegetable Fertiliser (Vegetable Fertiliser)

Vegetable plants respond exceptionally well to The Plant Company’s vegetable fertiliser with better quality produce, higher yields, and a much...

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An exquisite Tall Fescue lawn.
Tall Fescue

Tall Fescue is an excellent lawn grass choice for New Zealand homeowners seeking a dark green, tough, and attractive lawn. It is widely used by ready...

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Rose Fertiliser

Roses respond exceptionally well to rose fertiliser with better quality flowers and foliage, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

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Agave parallelifolia (Agave Plant)

Agave parallelifolia features upright and fleshy, mid-green leaves. These are held off a central stem as it grows to about 60 cm tall and 30 cm wide...

OUT OF STOCK
Agave havardiana plant with large, blue leaves.
Agave havardiana

Agave havardiana, commonly known as the Harvard Agave, features broad and stiff, silver-grey leaves. The broad and fleshy leaves are held as a loose...

OUT OF STOCK
Agave americana mediopicta aurea plant with yellow and blue stripes.
Agave americana Mediopicta Aurea (Century Agave)

Agave Mediopicta Aurea is a variety of the commonly known, Century Agave, and is grown for its foliage and hardy nature. It grows as a rosette with...

OUT OF STOCK
Agave ovatifolia Frosty Blue plant with colourful, blue leaves.
Agave ovatifolia Frosty Blue (Whales Tongue Agave)

Agave ovatifolia Frosty Blue, commonly known as the Whales Tongue Agave, features broad and stiff, powder-blue leaves. It typically grows to 1 m tall...

OUT OF STOCK
Agave parryi plant with grey foliage.
Agave parryi

Agave parryi, commonly known as Parry’s Agave, features broad and stiff, silver-blue, powdery leaves. The broad and fleshy leaves are held as a loose...

OUT OF STOCK
Agave americana var Franzosinii plant with large, grey leaves.
Agave americana var Franzosinii

Agave americana var Franzosinii, commonly known as the Majestic Agave, features broad and stiff, powder-blue leaves. The fleshy leaves protrude...

OUT OF STOCK
Agave parryi huachucensis plant with light-blue leaves.
Agave parryi Huachucensis (Parrys Agave)

Agave parryi Huachucensis, commonly known as the Artichoke Agave and Parrys Agave, this variety features broad and stiff, powder green-blue leaves...

OUT OF STOCK
Agave ovatifolia plant with large, blue leaves.
Agave ovatifolia

Agave ovatifolia, commonly known as the Whale’s Tongue Agave, features broad and stiff, powder-blue leaves. It typically grows to 1 m tall and the...

OUT OF STOCK
Agave parryi Truncata plant with large, grey-blue leaves.
Agave parryi Truncata

Agave parryi Truncata, commonly known as the Artichoke Agave, features broad and stiff, powder blue leaves. It typically grows to 80 cm tall and 1 m...

OUT OF STOCK
Agave nickelsiae plant in a garden.
Agave nickelsiae

Agave nickelsiae features short and stiff, dark olive-green leaves with white stripes. Mature plants may produce a flower spike that can reach up to...

OUT OF STOCK
agave-desmettiana-variegata-4
Agave desmettiana Variegata

Agave desmettiana Variegata features long and broad, variegated leaves. The fleshy, mid-green leaves with a yellow edge are held as a loose rosette...

OUT OF STOCK
Agave montana plant with elegant, green leaves.
Agave montana

Agave montana, commonly known as the Mountain Agave, this variety features broad and stiff, dark green leaves. The broad and fleshy leaves are held...

OUT OF STOCK
Agave parrasana plant with large and fleshy, blue leaves.
Agave parrasana

Agave parrasana, commonly known as the Cabbage Head Agave, features short and erect, powder-blue leaves. The broad and fleshy leaves are held as a...

OUT OF STOCK
Agave Blue Glow plant with blue leaves edged with red.
Agave Blue Glow (Agave Blue Plant)

Agave Blue Glow is grown for its foliage and hardy nature. This succulent produces rosettes of broad and rigid, fleshy, blue leaves with a golden-red...

OUT OF STOCK
Agave Cream Spike plant in a pot with variegated leaves.
Agave Cream Spike

Agave Cream Spike is grown for its foliage and hardy nature. It grows as a rosette with fleshy, powder blue leaves with a golden edge. The leaves...

OUT OF STOCK
Agave chiapensis plant with fresh-green foliage.
Agave chiapensis

Agave chiapensis (Mexican Agave) is a rare and attractive agave species native to southern Mexico, prized for its broad, glossy green leaves and...

OUT OF STOCK
Agave attenuata (Foxtail Agave)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Agave, Persimmon, and Pittosporum, or related Categories - Citrus Fertiliser, General Garden Fertiliser, and Grafting and Budding.

Search types of agave

What Makes Agave Unique?

Agaves are known for their fleshy, spiky leaves arranged in symmetrical rosettes, often with fascinating variegations or powdery blue-green hues. Many types of agave are classic waterwise plants, thriving with minimal irrigation and even in tough coastal or urban environments. As they mature, some agaves produce tall flowering spikes, lending even more drama to your garden. Their sculptural form makes agaves ideal for feature plantings, dry borders, rock gardens, and large containers.

Popular Types of Agave for New Zealand Gardens

Below are some standout types of agave you can enjoy in your landscape:

Agave parallelifolia (Agave Plant)

With its elongated, slender leaves and clean lines, Agave parallelifolia (Agave Plant) delivers a refined, contemporary look. This species is valued for its architectural foliage and compact habit, fitting beautifully into modern designs or patio planters.

Agave havardiana

Renowned for its frost tolerance and attractive blue-grey leaves, Agave havardiana is a robust choice for exposed sites. Its dense, symmetrical rosette adds strong visual interest while requiring virtually no maintenance once established.

Agave americana Mediopicta Aurea (Century Agave)

If you crave bold variegation, Agave americana Mediopicta Aurea (Century Agave) stands out with dramatic yellow stripes down its thick, blue-green leaves. This iconic choice brings vibrant colour and architectural form to large pots or garden beds.

Agave ovatifolia Frosty Blue (Whales Tongue Agave)

For gardeners seeking a statement succulent, the Agave ovatifolia Frosty Blue (Whales Tongue Agave) excels with its wide, upturned leaves in a distinctive silvery-blue. It’s well-suited to both formal and informal plantings.

Agave parryi

Compact and cold-hardy, Agave parryi is admired for its bulletproof nature and elegant blue-grey rosette. Its neat size makes it an easy fit for small spaces, rockeries, or accent groupings.

Choosing the Right Agave for Your Garden

When selecting among the many types of agave, consider your site’s sun exposure, drainage, and the available space for mature growth. Most agaves prefer free-draining soils, full sun, and minimal feeding. Many are hardy to coastal winds and dry summers, making them perfect for New Zealand’s diverse climates.

Explore our full selection of agaves for a unique, sculptural addition to your garden. Each species brings its own flair to your landscape, including distinctive colours, leaf shapes, and sizes—ensuring there’s a perfect agave for every style and situation.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Love Chamaemelum nobile (Chamomile) and Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily)? Then you’ll adore the quiet charm of Olive 'Ascolano', Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant), and Orange 'Navelina'.
–The Plant Company

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