Toumey's Agave Bella

Toumey’s agave bella is a naturally occurring miniature form of Agave toumeyana from Arizona’s Sierra Ancha Mountains. Its dense rosettes of narrow dark-green leaves carry white markings and curling marginal threads, giving a small rock garden or container a fine-textured focal plant. ## Form and landscape use The [University of Arizona Campus Arboretum](https://apps.cals.arizona.edu/arboretum/taxon.aspx?id=955) distinguishes var. bella from the larger straight species by its more compact rosettes and smaller flower spike. [Blue Nurseries](https://www.bluenurseries.com/product-page/agave-toumeyana-var-bella) reports plants no more than about 25 cm tall and 20 cm across; the Arboretum describes rosettes up to 10 inches tall. These are mature plant dimensions, separate from the flowering stalk, which can rise several feet above the foliage. The plant offsets into small colonies and can be used as an accent in a gravel bed or as a container specimen. ## Siting and seasonal interest Give it full sun or partial shade in sandy or rocky soil that drains quickly. The Arizona Arboretum advises watering thoroughly in summer, letting the growing medium dry completely between waterings, then reducing winter irrigation. It tolerates heat and, when kept dry, cold to around 10°F. The evergreen foliage holds the main ornamental interest through the year; flowering occurs in late spring to early summer, with pale yellow-green flowers on a proportionately large spike. ## Maintenance Remove offsets in spring or summer if a tighter single rosette is desired, allowing cut surfaces to dry before replanting. Avoid wet winter soil, and use gloves around the sharp leaf tips.