Agave x nigra

Agave x nigra is a rare succulent plant resulting from the natural cross-breeding between Agave nickelsiae and Agave asperrima. This beautiful hybrid is characterised by its dense, symmetrical habit and its bluish, thick, triangular, rigid leaves ending in a long blackish thorn. The plant thrives equally well in pots or in the ground in dry gardens. Its hardiness (-14°C in dry soil) and excellent resistance to heat and drought make this agave an outstanding variety for Mediterranean gardens or rockeries.

Agave x nigra, belonging to the Asparagaceae family, is a natural hybrid discovered in the state of Sonora, Mexico, but is now primarily cultivated in horticulture. Agave x nigra develops a compact, symmetrical rosette, reaching 50 to 60 cm in diameter and rarely more than one metre in height. Its thick, rigid, triangular, grey-blue leaves are devoid of marginal teeth, but they end in a striking black terminal thorn. Its growth is slow, and the plant can tolerate temperatures as low as -12°C, even -14°C in perfectly dry conditions. When it flowers, after several decades, it produces a floral spike in summer that can reach 4 m in height, adorned with yellowish sterile flowers. The rosette dies after flowering. Agave x nigra produces offsets throughout its life, allowing it to reproduce easily.

Agave x nigra deserves companions that highlight its sculptural character. Planted among large rocks in a rockery, on a mound of dark gravel, or in a pot on a sunny terrace, it thrives alongside Yucca rostrata 'Sapphire Skies', with its silvery-blue, flexible, trailing foliage. In mild climates, it can be paired with Mangave 'Mission to Mars', with its broad burgundy-red leaves marbled with green. At ground level, the dense cushions of Delosperma 'Wheels of Wonder Golden' will create an evergreen carpet dotted with bright yellow flowers in spring.