Lions Tail (Agave attenuata) Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 31st Jan 2024
- Plant Characteristics: Agave attenuata stands out with its smooth, soft, spineless green leaves in a large rosette. Its dramatic arching flower stalk, resembling a fox's tail, makes it a unique and attractive choice for modern landscapes.
- Growing & Care: Prefers well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun exposure. It's more shade-tolerant than other Agave plants. Regular watering during dry periods, but allowing soil to dry out between waterings, is key to avoid root rot.
- Tips for New Gardeners: An excellent choice for beginners due to its forgiving nature and lack of spines. Ideal for containers or as a focal point in gardens. Be mindful of frost, as it's less cold-hardy than other agave species.
Agave attenuata, commonly known as the Lions Tail, Swan's Neck Agave, or Foxtail Agave, is part of the Asparagaceae family. The common names are thanks to its curved yellow flower.
The plant is native to central Mexico, but today can also be commonly found around the Mediterranean and in the Canary Islands.
Agave Attenuata Cerulata photograph by Juan Ignacio 1976.
This plant is a great addition to rock gardens, beds, or succulent gardens.
Many gardeners love Agave attenuata for its resistance against pests, as well as its dramatic shape, making it a great accent plant in decorative pots.
With its light green, almost silver, leaves, it is an eye catcher in any setting.
Wild Growing Agave attenuata photograph by Dick Culbert; CC.
This plant has no spines, which set it apart from other varieties of agave.
Gardener's HQ Guide to Growing Fox Tail Agave, Lions Tail
Fox Tail Agave is a low-maintenance charmer will add beauty to a garden while expecting little in return.
Agave attenuata prefers full sun, but can tolerate partial shade.
Regards, soil type, Lion's Tail has a preference for sandy soils that are well-drained and slightly acidic.
Foxtail Agave photograph by brewbooks; CC.
Planting outdoors will be fine so long as the temperature does not drop below 50°F (10°C) in the winter.
In colder areas you may wish to grow in containers. During the winters, it is a good idea to place the plant in a frost-free area. In the summers, it will do just fine in the yard or on the porch.
Swan's neck agave, Image by Forest and Kim Starr; CC.
This species of Agave does not need very much water, but does not thrive in desert heat. It will need to be watered more often in the summer, perhaps once a week, than in the winter.
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Agave attenuata Growing and Care Guide
- Scientific Name: Agave attenuata.
- Common Name: Lions tail, Foxtail agave.
- Growing Zone: USA: 9 to 11.
- Life Cycle / Plant Type: Indoor Plant, Perennial, Succulents and Cacti.
Plant Details
- Plant Height (Inches): 24 to 48.
- Plant Spread (Inches): 36 to 72.
- Time of Bloom: Year-round.
- Flower Details: White.
- Leaf Foliage: Green, Silvery, Yellow.
- Fruit:
- Growth Form: Rounded.
Ideal Growing Conditions
- Best Light Conditions: Partially shady to full sunlight.
- Rate of Growth: Grows slowly.
- Suitable Soil Types: Acidic, Adaptable, Alkaline, Clay, Loamy, Neutral, Sandy, Slightly alkaline, Well draine.
- Soil Moisture: Dry.
Caring Conditions
- Care:
- Level of Maintenance:
- Propagation: From Cuttings.
- How to Prune: Not usually required.
- Pests:
- Diseases:
Further Information
- Can Attract:
- Tolerant of: Drought.
- Best Garden Use: Container, Ground cover, En masse , Rock garden, Seashore, Specimen.
- Family: Asparagaceae.
- Closely Related Species: Yucca plants such as the Beaked yucca.
- Miscellaneous: Entices birdlife to the garden, Attractive foliage, North American native, Some parts are poisonous, Periodic blooms, Blooms are very showy.
- Genus Detail: Agave.
- Further Reading and References: University of Florida Plant Information: Agave_attenuata and Wikipedia.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Agave attenuata. You may also enjoy the following growing guides: How to grow Asparagus densiflorus and Veltheimia plants.
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