Agave ‘Little Shark’ (also called Agave hyb. ‘Little Shark’ )

Origin

• An artificial hybrid cultivar, not found in the wild.
• Cross between Agave macroacantha and Agave victoriae-reginae (both originally from Mexico).

Care

• Location: full sun (best growth); Light partial shade is tolerated (but slower growth).
• Soil: very sharply permeable cactus or succulent soil (avoid heavy or clayey soil).
• Water: very sparingly – allow the soil to dry completely between waterings; more in the summer, almost nothing in the winter (extremely drought resistant).
• Temperature: USDA 9-11 (some sources 6b-10); frost-resistant to approx. -4 °C (or -8 °C if the ground is bone dry); Protect young plants or in pots from severe frost.
• Growth: slow, compact symmetrical rose to ± 60 cm high and wide.
• Extra: blooms after 7-15 years with a 3 m high stem (green flowers that turn red), sharp black terminal spines and black leaf edges.

Usage

• Mainly as an ornamental plant: perfect for pots/containers, rock gardens, xeriscapes, modern desert or minimalist gardens, urban gardens or small niches.