Product Description
Agave t. 'Snaggle Tooth' (72)ct Flat
Common Name: Rancho Tambor Agave, Century Plant
A variegated sport of Agave titanota with gray-green centers and wide, cream margins. This forms a beautifully uniform rosette of leaves. Like the parent, the marginal and terminal spines will emerge cinnamon brown, but with age lighten to cream. Agave titanota is sometimes called Rancho Tambor Agave because of its origin in Oaxaca where it grows on cliffs. Like most Agave, drainage is key for success. From Mountain States Wholesale Nursery.
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.
Height: 10.0 Inches
Spread: 10.0-12.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 9,10,11
Foliage Color: Green shades, Yellow shades, Variegated
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Low to Average Water Needs
Poor to Average Soil Quality
Deer and Rabbit Resistant
Growth Rate: Slow
Container, Drought Tolerant, Attractive Foliage, Small, Naive to North America
A Showstopper for the Arid Garden
Let us explore the fascinating world of succulents and discover a true gem: the Agave titanota 'Snaggle Tooth'. This captivating plant boasts dramatic creamy-white-edged leaves adorned with cinnamon-colored teeth that gradually fade to white. With its unique appearance and low-maintenance nature, it is no wonder this agave has become a favorite among succulent enthusiasts. In this article, we will delve into the intriguing characteristics of Agave titanota 'Snaggle Tooth', exploring its classification, native habitat, ideal growing conditions, and potential uses in landscaping and container gardening.
Agave titanota 'Snaggle Tooth' belongs to the Asparagaceae family, a diverse group that includes many popular garden plants like hostas. This agave is a variegated sport of Agave titanota, which is sometimes referred to as Rancho Tambor Agave due to its origins in Oaxaca, Mexico. After many years of growth, this agave produces a tall flower spike with yellow flowers, adding an interesting dimension to its life cycle.
The cultivar name 'Snaggle Tooth' perfectly captures the plant's distinctive appearance, with its jagged, tooth-like projections along the leaf margins. These "teeth" emerge with a captivating cinnamon-brown hue and gradually transition to white, creating a striking contrast against the variegated leaves. Interestingly, there is some debate surrounding the classification of 'Snaggle Tooth' as either Agave titanota or Agave oteroi, reflecting the ongoing discussions in the botanical community.
Agave titanota 'Snaggle Tooth' originates from the limestone cliffs of Oaxaca, Mexico, a region known for its rocky, well-drained soils and arid climate. This explains the plant's remarkable drought tolerance and its love for basking in the sun. Agaves are remarkably resilient, enduring scorching summers, winter rains, and even snow. While they are primarily native to Mexico, some agave species are also found in the southwestern United States, including Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and California.
To ensure this agave thrives in your garden, it is essential to provide conditions that mimic its natural habitat. Here is a closer look at its key requirements:
| Characteristic | Description |
| Light | Thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates. Provide at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and color development. In the hottest regions, light afternoon shade is recommended. |
| Soil | Requires well-draining soil, such as a cactus or succulent potting mix. Adding sand or gravel can further improve drainage. |
| Water | Drought-tolerant; water deeply but infrequently during the growing season (spring to fall), allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Reduce watering to once a month during the winter. |
| Temperature and Humidity | Hardy in USDA Zones 9 to 11, tolerating temperatures down to 20°F (-6.7°C). Prefers warm climates but can survive brief periods of frost if kept dry. Thrives in dry conditions and does not require high humidity. |
| Fertilization | Not a heavy feeder; apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength once in the spring. Avoid over-fertilizing. |
| Foliage | Medium-green leaves with a whitish cast and wide, creamy-white edges. Features ragged, cinnamon-colored teeth along the margins that fade to white. |
| Growing Habit | Forms a compact, uniform rosette and produces offsets, which can be left to form a cluster or removed to encourage a solitary plant. |
Landscaping and Container Gardening Agave titanota 'Snaggle Tooth' is a versatile plant that can enhance various landscape designs. Its compact rosette form and striking foliage make it a perfect choice for a variety of settings:
- Containers The slow-growing nature of 'Snaggle Tooth' makes it exceptionally well-suited for container gardening. This allows gardeners with limited space to enjoy its unique beauty on patios, balconies, or even indoors. Whether you choose a terracotta pot, a sleek modern container, or a rustic wooden planter, 'Snaggle Tooth' will add a touch of the exotic to your space.
- Rock Gardens With its drought tolerance and preference for well-drained soil, 'Snaggle Tooth' is a natural fit for rock gardens. Its architectural form and contrasting colors create visual interest among rocks and other drought-tolerant plants. Consider combining it with other agaves, yuccas, or cacti for a stunning desert-inspired landscape.
- Xeriscapes In xeriscapes, or water-wise gardens, Agave titanota 'Snaggle Tooth' contributes to a low-maintenance and sustainable design. Its ability to thrive with minimal water makes it an ideal choice for conserving this precious resource. Combine it with other drought-tolerant plants like lavender, rosemary, and salvias for a colorful and water-wise garden.
- Borders and Accents The architectural form and striking foliage of 'Snaggle Tooth' make it an eye-catching accent plant or a bold addition to garden borders. Its upright growth habit and contrasting colors can add height and drama to your landscape. Consider planting it in groups to create a dramatic border or use it as a focal point in a mixed planting bed.
When planting Agave titanota 'Snaggle Tooth' in the landscape, ensure it receives ample sunlight and well-drained soil. Space plants appropriately, considering their mature size, which can reach up to 12 inches wide. In hotter climates, provide some light afternoon shade to prevent leaf burn.
It is also worth noting that the sap of some agave species, including Agave titanota, has been used to make tequila and mezcal. While 'Snaggle Tooth' is primarily grown for its ornamental value, this adds an interesting dimension to its history and potential uses.
Agave titanota 'Snaggle Tooth' is a visually stunning plant that captivates with its unique features. The wide, creamy-white margins of its leaves create a dramatic contrast against the gray-green centers. The ragged, cinnamon-colored teeth that line the leaf edges add further intrigue, gradually fading to white as the plant matures. Its compact rosette form and upright growth habit contribute to its architectural appeal, making it a striking addition to any landscape.
Agave titanota 'Snaggle Tooth' is a true gem in the world of succulents. Its unique variegated foliage, adorned with cinnamon-colored teeth that fade to white, is a sight to behold. This slow-growing agave is perfectly suited for arid gardens and thrives in well-drained soil with ample sunlight. Whether you choose to display it in a container, rock garden, xeriscape, or border planting, 'Snaggle Tooth' will undoubtedly become a conversation starter and a source of fascination in your garden. If you are looking for a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant with exceptional visual appeal, Agave titanota 'Snaggle Tooth' is an excellent choice. Why not add this showstopper to your own garden and experience its captivating beauty firsthand?
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!
