Smooth Agave. Agave desmetiana, Agave Family ( Agaveae or Agavaceae ), Smooth Agave. Also Called: Dwarf Century Plant. We wish to thank Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia for some of the information on this page. We share images and information with Wikipedia. A thick-leafed evergreen succulent which dies after blooming. It has pointed leaves which form a basal rosette. It has a slow growth rate. Smooth Agave can be confused with Octopus Agave, however Smooth Agave is smaller in stature, about 3 feet tall and 3 - 3 feet wide. Its soft, fleshy leaves are light green in color, and have they no teeth along the margins. The leaves do have a strong terminal spine. Agave desmettiana blooms only once, and then dies. However, blooming doesn't occur for about 8 - 10 years, and the plant produces an abundance of small "pups" around it's base which keeps the population going. The leaves of Smooth Agave develope a slight pink color along the margins and tips during blooming. Another variety, Agave desmettiana �Variegata� has a narrow band of yellow along the leafmargins. Quick Notes: Height: 3 feet tall. It spreads to about 3 feet. Flowers: A large thick, green, stalk emerges from the center of the plant, it becomes about 8 - 10 feet tall. Then pale yellow flowers about 1 1/2 inches long emerge in clusters on horizontal branches on an 8 to 10 feet tall panicle. Flowering Time: Phoenix Arizona, Mid March - June. Leaves: The leaves symmetrical, a basal rosette, light green in color, and have they no teeth along the margins. Found: Native of Sinaloa (Mexico) or Cuba. The USDA claims it is native of the USA (FL). Hardiness: Will freze past the low 21 �F ! USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 �C (25 �F) USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 �C (30 �F) USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 �C (35 �F) USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 �C (40 �F) Soil pH requirements: 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral) 7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline) 7.9 to 8.5 (alkaline) Sun Exposure: Full Sun Elevation: 0 - 2,500 Feet. In Arizona. Habitat: It grows well in sand, sandy loam, clay and other heavy soils. It needs good drainage and aeration. It is remarkably tolerant of alkali. Miscellaneous: Maintenance: Low. Photos Taken; Arrowhead Ranch, Glendale, Arizona. March 2, 2006.

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