Agave salmiana subsp. salmiana

Common name:  Pulque Agave

A huge Agave from central and southern Mexico that forms a very large rosette of wide, dark green to grey green leaves. An outstanding and dramatic plant that will thrive on regular watering and fertilizing in the growing season. In Mexico, it is the premier source for the production of Pulque and Mezcal and has recently received additional attention as a superior source of Agave nectar, a natural, low-glycemic sweetener. It is a variable species with some specimens having varying hardiness, but personal experience of this in my own garden was positive, surviving for 16 years getting to 220cm in diameter before an especially damp and wet winter finished it.

• Hardiness: H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5) much lower if dry

• Position/Aspect: Full sun or partial shade, free draining gritty gravelly soil essential. Needs plenty of space…

• Drought tolerance: Excellent

• Size: up to 2m and 3m diameter at least in the UK

• Seed grown at the Kent nursery: yes