It seems like every year we keep hearing, "It's hotter than ever before!" How are you all coping with this intense heat? While many succulents tend to struggle through summer, Agaves are robust plants that keep their appeal and energy even in the hottest months. This time, I'd like to showcase some Agaves that thrive in the summer heat. We're already halfway through the year, and Agave popularity shows no signs of slowing down! Titanota in particular still dominates the scene. But today, we're deliberately shining the spotlight on Agaves other than Titanota!

From well-known classics to rare varieties, let's dive into the deep and diverse world of Agave together. Ready to discover a new side to these fascinating plants?

Potatorum Types

When you think of Agave, you might picture the classic アメリカーナの斑入り A. americana var.margiana that's often referred to as "Ryuzetsuran" in Japanese. This time, though, we'll skip the large varieties and focus on small to medium-sized Agaves—especially those in the potatorum group, famous for cultivars like "Kisshoukan." With their thick, sturdy leaves and distinctly jagged spines, these Agaves have been longtime favorites for their classic, recognizable look.

Here's a monstrose type of Potatorum—more recently, a variegated form has also appeared (currently under observation at my place).

Next up, there's isthmensis, considered a compact Potatorum type. Recently, it's become popular again since people discovered how tough and spirited it looks when grown in strong sunlight.

Guadalajarana is another species gaining attention, with a similar vibe to Potatorum but featuring finer, twisty spines. There are also white-leafed types like Leon and shorter-leaved variants—perfect for collectors who love unique forms.

Parryi

Parryi is another favorite, often admired for its beautiful pale, shimmering body. You’ll frequently see it gracing botanical gardens or the entrances of stylish buildings. While they can grow into large plants over one meter wide (still medium-sized for Agave), they'll generally stay more compact if kept in pots. Recently, new variegated variations have been appearing, helping to keep them in demand.

Victoriae-reginae "Sasanoyuki"

Another classic Agave! When mature, this plant forms an impressive, ball-like shape. There are compact varieties that naturally stay small, types with thick white markings, and even variegated forms that look even whiter—all very popular.

Desmetiana

Desmetiana grows quickly into a large, elegant plant—reminiscent of a Yucca—which makes it a great choice as a landscape or statement tree. Lately, there are all sorts of color variations on the market. It's tempting to try a mix-and-match planter with them all!

I also did a separate feature on growing Venezuela.

Macroacantha

A classic choice, Macroacantha sports narrow leaves tipped with strikingly sharp black spines. The recently introduced variegated-edge type is especially attractive and highly recommended.

Here’s a similar, more widely available variety. You should be able to find it easily at garden centers and tree nurseries.

Utahensis

Right before Titanota's popularity exploded, Eborispina (especially the "Kagerou" types with their undulating spines) was the hot trend. I've seen some extremely short-leafed, long-spined individuals floating around—literally, it feels like nothing but those mesmerizing spines!

Pygmaea

Pygmaea is best known for the ever-popular "Dragon Toes." I'm always striving to grow the perfect form—thick, white, dramatically undulating leaves with fearsome claws—but it's surprisingly tricky!

"Hard-leafed" Types

I call these the "hard-leafed" group because their leaves are dramatically tougher, thinner, and sharper than any other Agave—almost like carbon fiber products!

Filament Types

Although they’re supposed to be really beautiful, filament-type Agaves are rarely seen at their best. Their true elegance shines as dense, multi-leaved young plants, but that makes them expensive and rarely available due to low numbers in circulation. Let's nurture them from a young age and hope they'll one day reveal their full glory.

Blue Glow Hybrid Group

Many hybrid Agaves are now widely available, and the Blue Glow group stands out because they're all so incredibly similar! I decided to collect and observe their subtle differences over time.

Wrap-up

For this round-up, I've mainly featured plants from my own collection or ones I've photographed before—in other words, relatively easy-to-find, classic varieties. There are even more stunning varieties out there, including rare and brand-new ones, but we’ll save those for another time!

I've covered Agave in different articles in the past as well, so feel free to check those out too!