Agave geminiflora aka Twin Flowered Agave

Agave geminiflora is an evergreen succulent called twin-flowered agave. It belongs to the asparagus family, Asparagaceae. It comes from western Mexico, in Nayarit and Jalisco. Wild plants grow where dry tropical and temperate forests meet. They also grow among oaks on rocky ground and stream beds. Useful Tropical Plants reports a Vulnerable status from the 2019 IUCN assessment. Logging threatens its small wild range.

The plant forms a dense, rounded rosette on a short stem. Garden plants reach about 2–3.3 feet [0.6–1 metre] tall and wide. Each rosette can hold 100–200 narrow, dark green leaves. These bend and arch as they grow. Leaves reach about 1.5–2 feet [0.45–0.6 metres] long. Fine white threads may curl along their edges. The leaf edges lack spines, though each tip bears a small spine. Its dense leaves give the plant shape and interest through winter.

The rosette flowers once, then dies, though basal shoots may survive. Chicago Botanic Garden gives a flowering age of 10–15 years. The flower stalk rises far above the leaves. LLIFLE gives 8–20 feet [2.5–6 metres]; Useful Tropical Plants reports up to 23 feet [7 metres]. Flowers grow in pairs along the stalk. They have greenish-yellow tones, with red or purple marks. Bloom dates differ: Chicago lists March–April, while RHS gives late summer. Tough, oblong capsules hold small, curved seeds with winged edges.

Grow it in sun or partial shade with fast drainage. Sandy or loamy soil with an acid or neutral pH suits it. Established plants cope with drought. Water sparingly during growth and keep plants dry in winter. RHS recommends cactus compost for plants grown under glass. Outdoor plants need shelter from winter rain. RHS rates it H3, with cold tolerance near 23°F [-5°C] under dry, sunny conditions. Missouri Botanical Garden places it in USDA zones 9–11.

Use it as a focal plant in rock or dry gardens. It also suits pots, patios, and indoor growing. Its leaves yield strong fibre for rope and cord. No pruning is needed, but pests can cause harm. Scale, agave snout weevil, slugs, and snails may attack it. Wet soil can cause root rot. RHS warns that contact can irritate skin. Dogs and cats may suffer harm if they eat it. Useful Tropical Plants records no known food or medicinal use.