Agave geminiflora

‘Twin-flowered Agave’

OVERVIEW:

The name ‘Geminiflora’ is derived from Latin, gemin (twin) and flor (flower). This cultivar is native to the Mexican states of Jalisco and Nayarit. Host to hundreds od long, thin flexible leaves, it creates a stunningly symmetric, dense and abundant shape. These toothless, dark-green spears thicken to a quarter of an inch, wrapped in curly white fibers. During colder months, the tips of these leaves turn dark burgandy, similar to many euphorbias. Once mature, this specimen shoots a 20-30ft stalk covered in dense flowers, sealing its fate as a monocarpic entity.

CLASSIFICATION:

Scientific Name: Agave geminiflora

Common Name: Twin-flowered agave

Family: Asparagus

Genus: Agavaceae

Monocarpic: perishes after its first bloom

Suggested Uses: Potted specimen, Xeriscape or lush garden (shade or morning sun only)

CHARACTERISTICS:

Height: 2-3’

Width: 1-2’

Flower: burgandy clumping flowers with a yellow/white center

Bloom Period: once during its lifetime - 10-15yrs

Fruit: n/a

ENVIRONMENT:

USDA Zone: 9-11

Hardiness- can handle low of 20F

Sun: Full sun

Water: Consistent water once every 1-2 weeks in summer, reduce in winter

Soil: Sandy, rocky well-draining soils