Agave attenuata 'Boutin's Blue' is an elegant and relatively spineless agave cultivar prized for its gracefully arching rosettes of soft, powdery blue-grey leaves. This attractive succulent offers a softer texture compared to many other agaves, making it a popular choice for landscapes and containers where a less formidable plant is desired. Its unique coloration and flowing form add a touch of sophistication to any setting.
 
Key Features of Agave attenuata 'Boutin's Blue'
Arching Rosettes: Forms symmetrical rosettes with leaves that gracefully arch downwards.
Powdery Blue-Grey Foliage: The leaves exhibit a beautiful, soft blue-grey hue with a powdery coating (glaucous).
Relatively Spineless: Unlike many agaves, this cultivar lacks sharp terminal spines and has only small, soft teeth along the leaf margins.
Smooth Leaf Surface: The leaves have a smooth texture beneath the powdery coating.
Moderate Size: Typically grows to about 3-4 feet tall and wide.
Monocarpic Flowering: Mature plants will eventually produce a dramatic, tall flower stalk with dense clusters of greenish-yellow flowers, after which the main rosette dies.
 
Care for Your Agave attenuata 'Boutin's Blue'
Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight to partial shade. While it can tolerate some direct sun, intense afternoon sun may scorch the leaves.
Soil: Requires well-draining soil to prevent root rot. A cactus or succulent potting mix is ideal.
Watering: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. This agave is drought-tolerant but susceptible to overwatering, especially in cooler months.
Temperature: Hardy to around 25°F (-4°C) for short periods, but it's best to protect it from prolonged freezing temperatures.
Humidity: Adapts well to low humidity and does not require special humidity considerations.
 
Maintenance for a Thriving Agave attenuata 'Boutin's Blue'
Removing Dead Leaves: As the lower leaves naturally dry out, they can be gently removed to maintain a clean appearance.
Protecting from Frost: In regions with harsh winters, provide protection such as bringing container plants indoors or covering in-ground plants.
Monitoring for Pests and Diseases: Agaves are generally pest and disease resistant, but watch for scale or mealybugs occasionally. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Handling with Care: While relatively spineless, the leaf tips can still be somewhat sharp, so handle with care.
 
Propagation Methods for Expanding Your Collection
Offsets (Pups): Agave attenuata readily produces offsets or "pups" around the base of the main plant. These can be carefully separated once they have developed their own root system. Allow the cut surfaces to callus over for a few days before potting them individually in well-draining soil.
Seed: Propagation by seed is possible but can be a slow process. Seeds require warm temperatures and well-draining soil to germinate. However, offspring from seed may not always exhibit the exact characteristics of the 'Boutin's Blue' cultivar.
 
Agave attenuata 'Boutin's Blue' is an elegant and relatively low-maintenance succulent that provides a soft, blue-grey architectural element to gardens and containers. Its graceful form and ease of propagation make it a desirable plant for many succulent enthusiasts.
 
 
* Picture and information intended only as a guide. Size and colours of plants will vary, not any 1 plant is exactly the same and minor variations will occur.
 
** All plants will be posted bare rooted.