Here's a photo in better light, from the 20th Anniversary Then and Now post.
So against logic I want to plant another agave out there, I mean the one that's dying was happy for eight years. I have a few in waiting. On the left is an Agave ovatifolia (not 'Frosty Blue') and on the far right Agave 'Sharkskin'. I know a few other folks that have had long term success with 'Sharkskin' in the ground here in Portland, so it *could* work.
So another shot, to get you thinking. This one from last September, when all was well. What would YOU plant out there at the corner? Cause as soon as we have a coolish day it's time to say good by to the sad agave. Oh and a caveat, it's too late in the summer to plant out an agave. If I decide to go that route I won't be able to plant it until next spring. So maybe a temporary plant to fill the space until then?
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Do any of your potted agaves you featured above require winter protection? How about you move one - or a group of pots - to the sad agave is spot and see how they look. Postpone a the decision on permanent plant till next spring.
ReplyDeleteChavli
I like the way you think, but sadly I fear theft would be an issue.
DeleteTheft? So sad.
DeleteChava
So sorry to see this. Personally, I would plant another ovatifolia. It looks so good there.
ReplyDeleteI wish I knew what went wrong with the one that was there!
DeleteAgave ovatifolia is such a stunner I'd be hard-pressed to pop in something other than another one in that spot, were the decision mine. I take it that the dying plant is the victim of winter weather conditions rather than an agave snout weevil? Whatever your decision, I'm glad to see you have some standing by. The whale's tongue agaves are surprisingly hard to find in local nurseries/garden centers here. I'd wait until the time is right to plant, though, and go with a temporary filler in the meantime.
ReplyDeleteSo far as I know we don't have the snout weevil up here (yet?), but this plant has never shown any winter stress, it went into spring looking fantastic. I will definitely be probing for answers when I dig it out (which I am not looking forward to).
DeleteWhat’s the little agave to the right of the dying one? Could that go in its place? If not, I like the idea of utilizing your Portland hardier tried and true Agave ‘sharkskin’.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good question. I bought that agave unlabeled and never have known exactly what it is. I suppose I could try and move it, but that feels a little like tempting fate since it's done fine where it is. Also--Agave sharkskin isn't really hardier or more tried and true. That title definitely goes to Agave ovatifolia. I only know a couple folks who have had luck with "Sharky".
DeleteFor temporary I vote a pot that picks up that sexy lime green ground cover/front door; dealers choice on planting it up...or not?
ReplyDeleteYou're the second vote for a container (oh yes a green one would be fantastic!) but I fear it would be far to tempting for someone to steal. While our neighborhood hasn't experienced much in the way of theft we do have a lot of traffic passing through to the park at the end of the street. Since it would be right out there at the corner (easy to pull up in our driveway for a quick load-up, and they're off!) it seems just too precarious to risk.
DeleteI am so sorry to see that you lost your Agave ovatifolia. I am with Gerhard. I'd plant another one. I know you amend the soil for succulents, but I would add even more pumice (or perlite, if you can't get pumice) for drainage. It is interesting that Agave ‘sharkskin’ does well there. Last summer, I lost a 3-foot-tall one that I had for 10 years. It rotted in the center. It had not been watered, so I blamed it on heat. Heat kills so many plants here.
ReplyDeleteI am afraid my comment about Agave 'Sharkskin' was a little misleading. I know a couple people who have done well with it, but by no means is it a commonly planted agave. I'm sorry to read of your loss! I sent one to my brother in Phoenix because he liked it but couldn't find it down there, it was great for a few years but finally died off from the heat.
DeleteWell that bites. If it lasted for so long you could chance another. What about raising it up a tad to help it through the winter wet? Are there any mangaves that are hardy in your zone as they are more tolerant of moisture?
ReplyDeleteI think of mangaves as being wimpy...not withstanding the cold at all. But interestingly I had a couple fairly good sized ones (no label) given to me a few weeks back. I had no plans for them and thought about giving them away, but now you've got me thinking about a sacrificial planting just to see how it does!
DeleteWell crap, it was perfect there. Hard to choose- replacing with the same or switching it up and planting Agave 'sharkskin'. My guess is I'd switch it up. As for planting something temporary over the winter, I know you'll come up with something better than I would.
ReplyDeleteMy wheels are turning...
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