Furcraea

( fur - KREE - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

This succulent perennial plant grows best in light shade in the warmest climates in its zone, and needs moderate water. They are relatives of Agave, and are native to Mexico and South America. They produce large leaves and mature plants send up impressive spikes (up to 25 feet tall) that hold greenish-white bell-shaped flowers that have a powerful fragrance. Plants die after bloom expires, but the plant will produce babies from its flowers that can be planted easily to replicate the parent. 

Furcraea Species and Varietals

These plants gro wbest in zones 13, 16-17, 19-24, H1 and H2. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Furcraea foetida (Mauritius Hemp) (False Agave)
​This species forms a stemless clump 5 feet tall and 8 feet wide. Leaves are glossy and deep green, with slightly wavy edges. Variety Furcraea foetida mediopicta has a central stripe on each leaf of creamy white.

Furcraea macdougalii
This species has slender, grey-green leaves that reach 7 feet long and are held upright. Margins are lined with teeth, and the plant eventually forms a trunk that can get 20 feet or more in height.

Furcraea selloa
This plant forms clumps 6 feet wide and eventually grows a five foot tall trunk. Leaves are dark green and margins have brown, hooked teeth. Variety Furcraea selloa marginata (pictured) is a variegated form with a thin strip of cream-yellow along the edges.

Caring for furcraea

These need rich, well-draining soil that is allowed to dry out between waterings. Plants need little water in wintertime, but thrive in summer conditions if given moderate water. Needs protection from frost. 

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 000 - 000, Name
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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