Octopus Agave

Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 20°F (-6°C), leaves are damaged at 25°F (-4°C)

Heat Tolerance: Loves heat

Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade, avoid reflected sunlight in Phoenix

Origin: Cliffs from southern Sonora to Sinaloa states, Mexico, at 2000 to 5000 feet elevation (600-1500 m)

Growth Habits: Succulents, fast growing to 3 feet tall, 5 feet in diameter (0.9 by 1.5 m).

Watering Needs: Infrequent water

Propagation: Suckers (called pups), seeds, buds on the flower spike

The crushed leaves are used by the Tarahumara Indians as soap. This agave is named for Maurice de Vilmorin, with whom Berger found this Agave.

Blooming Habits:
Blooms only when the plant is 7 to 15 years old or more. The flower stalk is huge (15 to 25 feet), starting like an asparagus, with yellow flowers. The plant then dies leaving suckers that grow into replacement plants. The spike generally produces large quantities of vegetative buds that can be planted. (the 2nd picture shows a segment of the floral stem with the crowded young plants)

Culture:
Tolerates poor soil and drought, but requires excellent drainage.