Agave gentryi is a strikingly architectural Agave from the Sierra Madre Oriental in northeastern Mexico where it grows at elevations of 2300-2700 metres - and on some mountains as high as 3300 metres - in the open or as an understory plant beneath pine and oak forest on the mountain slopes. A large growing Agave, it can reach up to 2m in height and width forming a symmetrical very-open rosette of broad spiny leaves that are thick and fleshy, blueish-grey when young but maturing to green as they grow. It grows in much the same habitat as Agave montana although at lower altitudes and is subjected to the same cold wet conditions - considerably wetter than Agaves from more desert regions. It is faster-growing than Agave montana with a much more open, less densely-packed rosette. It has a strong vigourous moisture-seeking root system and can have either a solitary habit or produce offsets, often prolifically

Agave gentryi is an ideal Agave for the cold wet climate of the UK and given good drainage will tolerate frost and sub-zero temperatures down to about -10C or lower. Fleecing in cold weather is sensible.

Highly recommended.