This perennial succulent forms a compact rounded rosette of foliage on a short stem. It has thick dark green leaves lanced-shaped with whitish markings and the creamy-white tube-shaped flowers appear in a terminal raceme during summer.

Hardiness zones 9 to 12

Agave victoriae-reginaeis naturally found in North America from northern Mexico to California growing in arid low elevation regions of the Sierra Madre Oriental Mountains and the Huasteca canyon, Sierras de las Noas and Viesca in north-eastern Mexico. It is found growing on vertical canyon cliffs or steep slopes in desert or semi arid regions and is regarded as endangered in its natural environment.

It prefers a semi shaded to sunny exposed position and grows in well drained moderately fertile calcareous sandy-stony soil and is drought, high temperature and slightly frost tolerant.

The Queen Agave is grown for its attractive foliage and architectural habit. It is planted in arid gardens or rockeries as a specimen or in group plantings. It is also planted in pots and tubs or used in roof gardens. It establishes from seed in 2 to 3 years, though the plant is slow to mature and flowers in 20-30 years then the plant dies off. It is suitable for coastal or inland regions and in cold climates it is grown as a glasshouse specimen. ID 2064

Note:
Traditional uses include food that is eaten raw or cooked and the fibres are used to make clothing and rope. The plant is also used for the manufacture of Tequila and the flowers and stems are roasted or boiled before consumption.

Agave(a-GAH-vee) victoriae-reginae(vik-tor-ree-ie-ray-geen-ie)

Agavaceae (ah-gav-AY-see-ee)