How to Grow Agave attenuata Plants in your Garden

Gardener's HQ Guide to Growing Lions Tail

Agave attenuata, also known as the Fox Tail Agave, is part of the Asparagaceae family. Other names for this plant are Swan's Neck and Lion's Tail, all 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.

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.

Swan's neck agave, Image by Forest and Kim Starr; CC.

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.