Smooth Agave
Agave desmettiana
A fast-growing agave with a perfectly symmetrical rosette that brings effortless elegance to modern desert gardens.
Frost sensitive, hardy to about 28°F, USDA 9-11; a tender low-desert agave.
AMWUA Notes
Fast-growing, low-water agave that pups freely for easy propagation.
Care Guide
Water every 2 weeks in summer while young, tapering to monthly once established; sharp drainage prevents rot.
Remove withered lower leaves; monocarpic, so pull the parent after it flowers and keep the abundant offsets (pups).
Optional light spring feeding speeds this already fast grower.
Agave snout weevil is the main pest; treat with a preventive soil drench and remove any mushy, toppling plants.
Smooth-margined but frost-tender; leaves burn below 28°F, so protect in cold snaps.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Fast-draining mineral soil or decomposed granite; low organic matter
Needs sharp, fast-draining soil.
Low feeder.
Offsets (pups), produced freely
3 ft
Shallow, non-invasive roots; smooth margins are path-safer but the terminal spine is still sharp
Placement Tips
- •Excellent in containers or modern mass plantings.
- •Smooth margins make it safer near paths than toothed agaves, though the tip is still sharp.
- •Give it 3 ft of room.
- •Plant in fast-draining soil.
Features
Best Uses
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
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Use this care guide to maintain your Smooth Agave. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Smooth Agave — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Smooth Agave need in Phoenix?
Smooth Agave is a very low-water succulent once established. Water every 2 weeks in summer while young, tapering to monthly once established; sharp drainage prevents rot. Fast-growing, low-water agave that pups freely for easy propagation.
How big does Smooth Agave get?
Expect roughly 3 ft tall and 3 ft wide at maturity, with a fast growth rate. Allow about 3 ft of spacing when planting. Shallow, non-invasive roots; smooth margins are path-safer but the terminal spine is still sharp.
Can you plant Smooth Agave near a pool?
Not ideally. Smooth Agave is not rated pool-friendly, so it is better placed away from the pool deck and skimmer. Litter is rated low.
Can Smooth Agave handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Smooth Agave is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants full sun. Frost sensitive, hardy to about 28°F, USDA 9-11; a tender low-desert agave. Smooth-margined but frost-tender; leaves burn below 28°F, so protect in cold snaps.
Does Smooth Agave have thorns?
Yes — Smooth Agave has small thorns. Site it back from walkways, seating and pool decks where people brush past.
Is Smooth Agave safe around pets?
Smooth Agave is listed as pet-friendly in this guide. If your dog is a determined chewer, check any new plant with your vet before planting.
When does Smooth Agave bloom in Arizona?
Smooth Agave blooms in spring, with yellow flowers.
How much maintenance does Smooth Agave need?
Smooth Agave is low-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated low. Remove withered lower leaves; monocarpic, so pull the parent after it flowers and keep the abundant offsets (pups).
What kind of soil does Smooth Agave need?
Fast-draining mineral soil or decomposed granite; low organic matter. Nutrient needs are low. Optional light spring feeding speeds this already fast grower.
Is Smooth Agave native to Arizona?
No. Smooth Agave is not an Arizona native; it originates from the Horticultural origin, but it is grown successfully in low-desert landscapes here.