Butterfly Agave

Butterfly agave is a compact, generally solitary succulent with a rounded rosette of broad, glaucous leaves. Wavy margins carry reddish-brown spines, and the leaf tips end in a larger twisted spine, giving the plant a sculptural outline for gravel gardens and containers. ## Form and landscape use The common name refers to the broad, butterfly-like leaves. A study of wild plants in Mexico describes 50–80 leaves, commonly 25–40 cm long, while the [RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/112211/agave-potatorum/details) gives a mature spread of 0.5–1 m. The RHS also reports a 3–5 m flower spike, with pale green flowers tinged red. Like many agaves, this species flowers once at maturity and the flowering rosette then dies. It is used locally for mezcal, but landscape plants are valued for the compact, symmetrical foliage. ## Siting and seasonal interest Grow in full sun and very free-draining sandy or gritty soil. In containers, use a cactus mix and allow it to dry between summer waterings; reduce water in autumn and keep it cool and dry through winter. The evergreen rosette provides year-round structure. The [RHS](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/112211/agave-potatorum/details) lists gravel gardens, architectural plantings and patio containers as suitable settings. Its sharp marginal and terminal spines can injure, and the RHS notes that the sap may irritate skin. ## Maintenance No routine pruning is required. Handle with protective gloves when removing old leaves or offsets. In cold, wet climates, grow it in a container that can be protected over winter.