How to Grow Agave victoriae-reginae Plants in your Garden

Agave Victoriae-reginae is a small succulent that belongs to the Agavaceae family.

It is rated as growable in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11, and as H2 in the UK.

Thus, though tolerant of temperatures below freezing, it is best not to grow in areas of deep frost.

Queen victoria agave
Agave victoriae-reginae at Huasteca Canyon, Nuevo Leon photograph by Amante Darmanin.

It is a slow-growing plant that forms a small clump that is about 30 cm (1 foot) tall and 45 cm (18 inches) feet in width.

The plant only flowers once in its lifetime, and that is when it is at the end of its lifespan. It is known for the white lines that outline the deep green spiked leaves.

The plant will grow a tall spike about of up to 4.5 m (15 feet). At the end of the spike, fragrant flower clusters that are reddish-purple will form.

Agave de la Reine Victoria

Agave de la Reine Victoria, image by Amante Darmanin, under CC.

The plant was named in honour of Queen Victoria. Other common names include Royal Agave, Victoria Agave, Queen Victoria Century Plant, and Queen Victoria Agave.

Gardener's HQ Guide to Growing Queen Victoria Agave

When planting outside, the Agave Victoriae-reginae needs full sun.

It will need protection from the harsh afternoon sun to prevent burning.

Agave victoriae-reginae plant

Close up of an Agave victoriae-reginae plant, photograph by Amante Darmanin; CC.

It can easily grow inside when placed on a sunny windowsill. This plant can easily be the show-stopper that the garden needs.

Agave Victoriae-reginae is drought tolerant. However, consider bringing it inside if it is getting a lot of rain.

The plant prefers well-drained, airy soil. The soil needs to contain a sizeable amount of grit.

In hot dry climates, watering the plant several times a week is recommended.

The succulent goes dormant in the winter, so it needs little to no water.

Agave victoriae-reginae Growing and Care Guide

Scientific Name: Agave victoriae-reginae
Common Name: Queen victoria agave
Growing Zone: USA: 9 to 11 / UK H2
Life Cycle / Plant Type: Perennial, Succulents and Cacti

Plant Details

Plant Height (Inches): 6 to 12
Plant Spread (Inches): 6 to 12
Time of Bloom: Summer
Flower Details: Green, White
Leaf Foliage: Blue, Green, Variegated
Fruit:
Growth Form: Rounded

Ideal Growing Conditions

Best Light Conditions: Full sunlight
Rate of Growth: Grows slowly
Suitable Soil Types: Acidic, Clay, Loamy, Neutral, Sandy, Slightly alkaline, Well drained
Soil Moisture: Dry to Moist (Medium Moisture is likely gives best results)

Caring Conditions

Care:
Level of Maintenance:
Propagation: Offsets taken in spring or autumn
How to Prune: Not usually required
Pests: scale insects
Diseases: Usually pest free

Further Information

Can Attract:
Tolerant of: Drought
Best Garden Use: Container, Ground cover, En masse , Rock garden
Family: Asparagaceae.
Closely Related Species: Asparagus, Yucca, Agave, Scilla.

Miscellaneous: Entices birdlife to the garden, Attractive foliage, North American native, Some parts are poisonous, Attractive flowers / blooms. Protected species.
Genus Detail: Agave
Further Reading and References: Here and Here

Queen Victoria Agave

Queen Victoria Agave photograph by Alex Lomas; CC.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Agave victoriae-reginae. You may also enjoy the following growing guides: How to grow Scilla and Yucca Plant.