Ornatec InternationalSpecies reference sheet ยท ornatecinternational.com
Agave salmiana
Pulque Agave
The Agave salmiana, commonly known as the Pulque Agave or Maguey, is one of the largest agaves in cultivation, forming a massive rosette of thick, dark grey-green leaves that curve upward and outward with a pronounced channel and a heavy terminal spine. It is native to the high plateau of central Mexico.
At three to four metres across it is a landscape-scale sculptural object rather than a bed plant, and it needs to be sited with that in mind. It is used as a feature in large roundabouts, entrance landscapes and open gravel schemes.
Specifications
- Height1.5 to 2 metres as a rosette, with a flower spike to 8 metres at maturity
- Width3 to 4 metres
- Native toThe high central plateau of Mexico
- FoliageVery large, thick, channelled dark grey-green leaves with dark marginal teeth and a heavy terminal spine; evergreen
- Growth rateModerate
Conditions
- SoilRequires deep, freely drained sandy or gravelly soils; tolerates poor and alkaline ground and rots in wet clay
- LightFull sun
- WaterVery low; strongly drought-tolerant and needs no irrigation once established
- ClimateThrives in hot arid and semi-arid regions and tolerates frost, being a high plateau species
Additional Features
- FormMassive, upward-curving rosette that functions as a landscape-scale sculptural object
- UsesFeature planting in large roundabouts and entrance landscapes, open gravel and xeriscape schemes, civic set pieces
- SpacingPlant 4 to 5 metres apart; this plant needs its full footprint and generous clearance from paths
- Low MaintenanceRemove offsets to control spread and cut out the spent flower stem after the parent rosette dies
- Pest ResistanceRobust where drainage is sharp; agave snout weevil is the main risk in over-irrigated ground
- Drought ToleranceVery high, needing no supplementary water in Gulf conditions once established
- LongevityLives many years before flowering once, after which the parent rosette dies and offsets take over
- ToxicityHeavy terminal spine and sharp marginal teeth on a very large plant; keep well clear of paths, seating and play areas
The Pulque Agave is a civic-scale sculptural plant, and the single most important decision about it is giving it enough room.
Availability by project review. Sizes, quantities, origin and export readiness are confirmed after your plant schedule is reviewed against destination, timing and quarantine requirements. MEWA certified for supply into Saudi Arabia; Australian Export Registered Establishment.
Enquiries: sales@ornatecinternational.com
310 Donkin Rd, Utchee Creek QLD 4871, Australia
Prepared 12 September 2026