Agave ghiesbreghtii aka Agave

Agave ghiesbreghtii is an evergreen succulent in the asparagus family. Its common name is Gentry's Century Plant. Its native range runs from central Mexico to Guatemala. It grows in dry forests, scrub, and grassy woodland slopes. Wild plants also grow on rocky hills with limestone soils. These sites have a long dry season, from January to May. Useful Tropical Plants reports its conservation status as Least Concern.

The plant forms a low rosette with no visible stem. Garden plants reach about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] tall and wide. LLIFLE gives a smaller rosette, about 2.5 feet [0.75 metres] across. New shoots grow close to the parent on short rhizomes. These offsets build dense clumps, which can spread beyond their space. Growth is slow, with maturity taking around 10–20 years. The stiff, lance-shaped leaves widen near their middle. Their colour ranges from grey-green to dark or purple-green. Some leaves show a faint yellow line down the centre. Brown-red edges turn pale grey as the leaves age. Sharp teeth line the edges, mostly below the leaf tip. Each leaf ends in a sharp spine.

Mature plants may flower in spring after years of growth. The flower stalk reaches about 10–13 feet [3–4 metres]. Some stalks reach 16.4 feet [5 metres]. The stalk has no branches, with flowers crowding its upper half. Flowers range from greenish brown to greenish purple. Small capsules hold oblong seeds. The central rosette dies once it has flowered. Offsets around its base can grow into new plants.

Give this agave full sun and soil that drains well. RHS lists sandy or loamy soils with acid or neutral pH. Cactus compost suits plants grown under glass. Water well during growth, then keep it nearly dry in winter. RHS recommends diluted liquid feed three or four times during growth. The plant withstands drought, but winter cold limits outdoor use. RHS rates it H2 and advises frost-free winter shelter. LLIFLE suggests dry plants may tolerate brief cold near −3°C. Pots can spend summer in a sunny outdoor spot.

Its year-round leaves suit pots, patios, gravel gardens, and greenhouses. People in Mexico also grow it as a living fence. Its leaves yield strong fibre, and dried strips serve as ties. Seeds and offsets provide ways to raise more plants. It needs no pruning, but scale insects may attack it. RHS lists few disease problems. The sharp leaves make handling awkward, and the plant can irritate skin. Wear gloves and protective clothing when working with it. It also harms cats and dogs that eat it. No species-specific food or medicinal uses are known.