Agave is a genus of around 200 species placed in the Agavaceae family. The plants are perennials; but each rosette will flower once, and then die. Some species are known by the common name, Century Plant. Agaves are among the most conspicuous plants of arid North America; their bold forms attract attention in any landscape whether natural or designed. They are often confused with Yucca plants. Agaves are characterized by succulent or semi-succulent leaves that form rosettes from a few centimetres to several meters across, but there are many variations on this basic pattern. Growing Agaves from seed is an easy, economical way to build up large numbers of plants. It is also an opportunity to find a seedling that shows unique or unusual characteristics from the mother plant.

Agave geminiflora commonly known as Twin-flowered Agave is a unique agave that has narrow, dark green unarmed leaves that are very flexible. These leaves, which often number in the 100’s, cascade from the centre of the plant forming a dense rounded rosette to 60-90cm tall by as wide. When plants mature they will initiate flowers which are formed in pairs on an unbranched spike that rises 2.4 to 3 meters. Plant them in full sun along the coast and part sun to light shade in hot inland gardens. Drought resistant, but looks better with some summer watering.