With a certain regularity, reports of impressive agave blossoms appear in the media and relevant garden forums in this country. This raises the question to what extent the agave species, which are mainly found in the Mediterranean region in Europe, can also be cultivated outdoors all year round in more northern regions.

There are definitely hardy agave species

When choosing the right agave species, pay attention to frost tolerance

First of all, you should be aware that the different agaves come from different regions of the American continent and also inhabit supposedly barren habitats with desert and mountain character. Even in desert areas with heat extremes during the day, frosts can certainly occur at night. Most agave species can therefore withstand light frosts for short periods of time. However, that does not mean that the exotic-looking plant is automatically winter-proof in this country. The following agave species can also withstand temperatures between -10 and -20 degrees Celsius under suitable site conditions:

  • Agave parryi
  • Agave utahensis
  • Agave inaequidens
  • Agave havardiana

Properly protect large specimens in the pot

Many gardeners have already experienced this fact in their own garden: First, you received an offshoot of an agave from a neighbor or brought it with you from vacation. With good care, this has developed so splendidly over the years that it had to be repotted into larger and larger planters. After all, the agave in the garden is so big that it can no longer be easily transported to the winter quarters. In rather mild weather conditions, these stately agaves can survive the winter outdoors if they are placed on a pallet to protect against ground frost and well wrapped with bubble wrap. You should not water the plant beforehand so that the packed plant does not rot during the winter. Due to the extreme temperature fluctuations, do not place the agave in a sunny place in front of a wall, but rather in a semi-shady place with good wind protection.

Possible dangers of wintering other than frost

If agaves show a large number of yellow leaves after the winter, this must only have something to do with frost to a limited extent. Agaves are often only insufficiently winter-proof when the root rots unnoticed due to heavy waterlogging. On the other hand, it can help if the plants are planted with a suitable substrate and inserted into the ground at a slight angle so that the rainwater can drain off. In addition, any fertilization should be stopped in late summer.

Young plants are more sensitive than older agaves

Freshly propagated offshoots of the agaves are significantly more sensitive to overwintering than older specimens. Kindel should therefore be separated from the respective mother plant as early as spring and overwintered indoors in cold regions.

tips

If you don't want to worry about whether your agave in the garden is winter-hardy, you can alternatively opt for the agave-like candle palm lily in the garden.

Category:

Vegetable garden