New Mexico Agave is shown in photo above.
Certain hardy, cold-tolerant agave species can grow in Colorado, particularly along the Front Range and in warmer, dry areas.
Success in growing Agave in Colorado depends entirely on choosing the right species to plant.
While not native to the state, species like Parry’s agave, Utah agave, Havard's Agave, and New Mexico "Century Plant" Agave can survive Colorado winters if planted in well-drained soil.
Parry's Agave
Utah Agave (most hardy form)
Havard's Agave (with protection)
Video on how to plant and cultivate Agave from High Country Gardens is here.
Critical Growing Tips at 6,300 ft
Avoid These types of Agave species:
Design Pairings That Thrive at our elevation
While not native to the state, species like Parry’s agave, Utah agave, Havard's Agave, and New Mexico "Century Plant" Agave can survive Colorado winters if planted in well-drained soil.
Parry's Agave
- Hardy to about -20°F when dry
- Compact blue-gray rosettes
- Excellent for rock gardens and xeriscapes
- One of the most reliable choices here
Utah Agave (most hardy form)
- Native to high desert climates
- Hardy to around -10°F to -20°F depending on variety
- Smaller, very architectural
Havard's Agave (with protection)
- Hardy to about -10°F
- Large, striking blue rosette
- Needs superb drainage
- Very cold hardy
- Thick succulent silver gray leaves edged with burgundy spines
- Drought resistant/drought tolerant
Video on how to plant and cultivate Agave from High Country Gardens is here.
Critical Growing Tips at 6,300 ft
- Build a berm or raised bed if you have clay soil (clay soil = rot risk). Plant on a mounded, gravel-heavy mix (at least 50% gravel/pumice).
- Full sun with South or West exposure. A heat-reflecting wall is ideal.
- Gravel mulch only - no bark. Keep crown dry.
- Provide Winter moisture protection to avoid 'winter burn' - this is very important at our elevation (2 to 3 inches of mulch; water deeply in early Fall and then keep them dry from late Fall through early Spring; use protective covers like wrapping plants in burlap or frost covers, or cover with upside down plastic buckets with holes for ventilation to protect from winds).
Avoid These types of Agave species:
- Agave americana
- Variegated agaves
- Any labeled hardy only to zone 7+
Design Pairings That Thrive at our elevation
- Blue fescue
- Yucca filamentosa
- Ice plant (hardy varieties)
- Penstemon
- Sedum
- Hesperaloe (in protected spots)
Interested in learning more? Attend this workshop at Denver Botanic Gardens on March 18.