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Agave bracteosa 'Calamar' (Solitary Candelabrum Agave) - A selection made of the typically clump forming Candelabrum Agave, Agave bracteosa that is solitary or produces only a few offsets. As with the species this plant is a relatively slow growing succulent with 1 foot tall by 18" wide rosettes of unarmed (spineless) pale green leaves. The leaves, which usually number 20 or fewer emerge vertically in the center and arch gracefully back towards the outside of the plant. When plants mature a 3- to 5-foot-tall spike bears a dense terminal cluster of white flowers. It is distinctive from all other Agave. After flowering the main rosette slowly dies but younger suckers perpetuate the plant.
Fairly drought tolerant in coastal gardens although performs best with occasional irrigation and requires it in hotter inland sites. Plant in full sun to light shade in well-drained soil. Hardy to 10 F. A good tolerance to both heat and cold but not overly wet soils. Comes from the Coahuilan Desert where it grows on limestone cliffs between 3,000 and 5,500 feet. This plant was selected by Texas plantsman and nurseryman Pat McNeal and was reproduced by micropropagation in the laboratory (tissue culture). We grew this variety from 2008 until 2010 but continued to grow seed grown crops of Agave bracteosa as well as the variegated selection Agave bracteosa 'Monterrey Frost' as well as our own Agave bracteosa hybrid Agave 'Mateo' that we introduced in 2009.
The information about Agave bracteosa 'Calamar' displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant. |
