Coryphoideae

Agave Geminiflora

OUTSTANDING FEATURES: Agave geminiflora is a rare find; a plant that can tolerate all exposures, ranging from full sun to full shade. Its symmetrical form and dark green color add to its appeal. The long, thin, flexible, leaves (which may or may not have white marginal fibers) are one of the attractive features of Twin Flowered Agave. When grown in full sun, Agave geminiflora forms a dense, compact ball of leaves that is quite striking. In shadier locations the leaves relax to form a softer silhouette. The toothless leaf margins allow for safe use as a potted plant near high traffic areas; however, watch out for the sharp tips!

DESCRIPTION: Agave geminiflora is a single, short-stemmed plant that forms a dense, symmetrical rosette of narrow, dark green leaves. The long, skinny leaves measure 2 feet long and 3/8 inch across. They are toothless along the margin; however, they may have fine, white marginal fibers. Because plants are all grown from seed, there is some variation in the amount of fibers along the leaf edge. Some plants may not have any at all. The flower stalk is a narrow spike 15 - 18 feet tall. The name geminiflora is derived from the fact that there are two flowers at each bract along the spike. The flowers are greenish near the base, flushed with red or purple above. As with all Agave species this plant only blooms once, and then dies. Because it is a solitary (non-offsetting) type, it would need to be replaced after flowering.

CULTURE/MAINTENANCE: Plants are somewhat tender, needing frost protection at about 20 F. The frost sensitivity makes this agave an ideal candidate for container culture. Although Agave geminiflora may not freeze back in mild winters, it will require some protection in colder locations. When grown in containers, or planted in the ground in full sun locations, it requires supplemental water regularly during the growing season. It has a moderately fast growth rate and can make a nice-sized specimen in a short time. Agave geminiflora is adaptable to many exposures, including full sun, partial shade, and full shade locations. One California nursery even grows Agave geminiflora as an interior foliage plant! In full sun, the leaves will be stiff and straight, and the terminal spines can be a hazard. In shadier exposures, the leaves are softer and more relaxed, and the terminal spines are not as troublesome. Although this plant is very low maintenance, it should be treated to prevent infestations of the Agave Snout Weevil.

IDENTIFICATION: The very narrow, dark green leaves that are smooth and pliant make this an easily identifiable species. There are other narrow-leaved species currently cultivated. Agave striata and Agave stricta both have stiff, lightgreen leaves with no marginal threads. Agave parviflora and Agave toumeyana both have darkgreen leaves with white markings and white marginal threads, but they are much smaller than Agave geminiflora and cannot be confused with it.

LANDSCAPE APPLICA-TION: Due to its frost sensitive nature, Twin Flowered Agave is best used as a container plant in colder regions like Albuquerque, Las Vegas, and El Paso, where it can be grown under the protection of a covered patio. If you are willing to cover plants in the winter, they can be planted out in the ground in these colder regions. In low deserts, they can be grown in full sun, or placed under the shade of desert trees. They also work well on the north or east side of buildings. In aXeriscape, Twin Flowered Agave can be used comfortably in the mini-oasis, where its ornamental features can be viewed up close.