Product Description
Agave ovatifolia 'Frosty Blue' (72)ct Flat
Common Name: Agave, Whale's Tongue Agave
This graceful, broad form of Agave grows relatively quickly to form a solitary rosette of short, broad, cupped leaves lined with small teeth and tipped with steel grey, terminal spines. Its distinctive powdery grey color has almost a turquoise cast to it according to Sean Hogan, owner of Cistus Nursery where this plant originated.
This is one of the most cold hardy Agaves, tolerating temperatures as low as 5°F.
At the end of its lifecycle, a majestic 10-14 foot spire carries interesting greenish yellow flowers.
The common name "Century Plant" is alluding to the belief that it takes 100 years to bloom. In reality, Agaves bloom after 15-20 years, and the main crown dies after blooming.
Agave is a tender perennial or "temperennial" succulent plant that grows best in full sun. Light afternoon shade is recommended in the hottest parts of the country. Plant in well-drained, dry to average soil in containers just slightly wider than the width of the rosette or plant directly in the ground. In summer when the plants are actively growing, they appreciate a bit of supplemental watering and half-strength fertilizer. They should be grown dry in winter. Agave is a slower grower, so it will not quickly overtake the space it is allotted in the landscape.
Height: 2.0-3.0 Feet
Spread: 3.0-6.0 Feet
Hardiness Zones: 7B,8,9,10
Flower Color: Yellow Shades
Foliage Color: Blue shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Low Water Needs
Poor to Average Soil Quality
Deer and Rabbit Resistant
Growth Rate: Slow
Container, Drought Tolerant, Attractive Foliage, Specimen, Native to North America
Agave 'Frosty Blue' is a stunning succulent that brings a bold, architectural presence to gardens with their striking blue foliage and impressive size. Here is what makes it special:
What Makes Agave 'Frosty Blue' Special
- Powdery Blue Foliage: The wide, gray-blue leaves are covered in a powdery coating that gives them a frosty, almost turquoise appearance. This unique color adds a cool and refreshing touch to hot, sunny landscapes.
- Distinctive Shape: The leaves are wide and cupped, creating a beautiful, sculptural rosette. As the plant matures, the leaves become even more prominently cupped.
- Large Size: 'Frosty Blue' is a medium to large agave, growing up to 4 feet tall and 5 feet wide. This makes it a great focal point in the landscape.
- Cold Hardy: It is one of the most cold-hardy agaves, tolerating temperatures as low as 5°F (-15°C). This makes it a good choice for gardeners in colder regions who want to enjoy the dramatic beauty of agaves.
- Low Maintenance: Agaves are known for their drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making 'Frosty Blue' a low-maintenance choice for busy gardeners.
Description and Details
- Common Name: Frosty Blue Whale's Tongue Agave
- Botanical Name: Agave ovatifolia 'Frosty Blue'
- Mature Size: 3-4 feet tall, 4-5 feet wide
- Foliage: Wide, gray-blue leaves with a powdery coating, cupped shape
- Flowers: Greenish-yellow flowers on a tall stalk (infrequent bloomer)
- Growth Habit: Solitary rosette (does not form offsets)
- Hardiness Zones: 5-10
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established
Landscaping Design Tips
- Specimen Plant: Its striking form and color make it an excellent specimen plant, where it can be the focal point of a garden bed or landscape.
- Xeriscaping: It is a perfect choice for xeriscaping or drought-tolerant gardens, where it can thrive with minimal water.
- Rock Gardens: It is also a good choice for rock gardens, where their architectural form and texture can complement the rocks and other succulents.
- Containers: It can be grown in containers, adding a bold statement to patios and balconies. However, it will eventually outgrow smaller pots.
- Companion Plants: Consider pairing them with other drought-tolerant plants that offer contrasting colors and textures, such as:
- Yuccas
- Sedums
- Grasses
- Salvias
Planting and Care
- Planting:
- Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
- Plant in spring or fall.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
- Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, making sure the crown is level with the surrounding ground.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
- Care:
- Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
- Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
- No fertilization is needed.
- Remove any dead or damaged leaves.
- Protect from frost in colder climates.
Additional Notes
- 'Frosty Blue' is a slow-growing agave, but it is well worth the wait for its mature beauty.
- It is a monocarpic plant, meaning it will flower only once in its lifetime, usually after 10-20 years. After flowering, the main rosette will die, but it may produce offsets (pups) before doing so.
- The leaves have sharp spines, so it is best to plant them away from high-traffic areas and walkways.
- It is a great choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant that adds a bold statement to the landscape.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
