Posted by Ian, Poulsbo WA on October 21, 2006, 1:08 pm, in reply to "Re: no luck with agave havardiana" On A. utahensis... these seem to do great in eastern Washington since they are very well adapted to hot dry summers and low rainfall overall. In general, A. utahensis var eborispina and var nevadensis are the least tolerant of moist soil and wet conditions, and they should be planted in soil with no organic matter. A. utahensis var utahensis is a little more tolerant of moisture (it has grown to maturity and bloomed in Vancouver, BC, and I have also seen it thriving in Vancouver, WA). A. utahensis kaibabensis seems to have no problem with moisture and I plant it in my regular potting mix with bark etc. It comes from a bit wetter climate in the wild so this makes sense. Also as it is the largest subspecies, and probably also the hardiest to cold, I think more people should grow this plant. As for havardiana... it certainly seems quite prone to winter rot. Parryi is rot-proof, neomexicana is a little more rot prone and havardiana seems very susceptible in this climate. Actually, it seems like they do fine until we get a few frosts.... then they go downhill quick.
I know of an A. montana that lived through at least 0F last winter in Rock Island, Washington. It was planted at a rather large size, and was damaged somewhat. I am sure it is a bit unhappy in that climate since it does not get enough water. That area only gets about 20cm of precipitation and none of that in their very hot summers.
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