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Agave victoriae-reginae

Accession Count: 44
Common Name: Queen Victoria agave, Victoria Regina agave
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Family Name: Asparagaceae
Botanical Name: Agave victoriae-reginae
Synonyms:
Family Synonyms: Agavaceae
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
The Queen Victoria agave is a perennial succulent characterized by its olive-green, white-edged leaves, and black central spine. The close-growing, blade-like leaves will develop into a rosette capable of reaching up to 18 inches in diameter, either developing a solitary or clumping form. In summer, plants may grow a curved green spike up to 4 meters tall, bearing numerous yellow flowers that are flushed purple-red.
Agave victoriae-reginae will only flower after 20-30 years of growth, and will die immediately after blooming, as agave are monocarpic.
Compound: Aga vic
Geographic Origin: Mexico
Ecozone Origin: Nearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
Agave victoriae-reginae originates from the Sierra Madre Oriental Mountains in the state of Coahuila, and south of Nuevo Leon, in northeastern Mexico. It is found in lower elevation slopes and near vertical cliffs of desert canyons, in calcareous soils. While endangered in its natural habitat, the species is abundant in cultivation.
A. ferdinandi-regis is officially synonymous to A. victoriae-reginae, despite some sources considering the former to possess a more open and larger rosette with fewer, more narrow leaves; less bud imprinting; and darker edges than the latter.
Cultivation Notes:
Water well during summer and spring, allowing soil to almost completely dry in between waterings. In winter keep as dry as possible, especially when soil is moist. Additionally, ensure that specimens never remain in standing water, to prevent root rot. Therefore, well-draining soil is required, with a pH between 6.1 and 7.8. At the same time, provide full sun and partial shade when necessary, especially during the hottest summer months. The cold tolerance of this species is down to 20°F, USDA Hardiness zones 9a to 11. Although this species can tolerate light frost, it should be cultivated in pots and brought indoors during the colder winter months. 
The Queen Victoria agave reproduces through seeds and suckers, which develop basally in spring. Simply remove the offsets and plant in moist soil, providing light and misting occasionally until seedlings form.
Ethnobotany:
The Queen Victoria agave has been used for fiber, food, and to produce an alcoholic beverage by Indigenous populations within its natural habitat. Additional uses include in the production of clothing, ropes, and food - with flowering stems, flowers, and all plant parts boiled, cooked, or consumed raw. Sugar-rich liquid can be extracted from the agave and turned into honey-water or pulque. The head of the agave can be chopped and the pit roasted. Lastly, A. victoriae-reginae  is very popular in cultivation, and is widely used in landscaping for its unique appearance.
Height: 0 - 5 feet
Width: 0 - 5 feet
Growth Rate: Slow Growing
Grow Season: Summer
Flower Season: Summer
Color: Red
Function: Accent
Spread: Spreading
Allergen: Non-allergenic
Invasive: Benign
Toxicity: Benign
Hardy: Semi-hardy
Water Use: Low water Use
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Agave victoriae-reginae