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Agave gypsophila ‘Ivory Curls’ – Ivory Curls Agave

Agave gypsophila ‘Ivory Curls’ – Ivory Curls Agave

Evergreen · Full Sun

Mature size: 80cm–1.2m high × 1.5m–2m wide

  • Evergreen
  • Full Sun
  • Mature height80cm–1.2m
  • Mature width1.5m–2m
  • Frost Sensitive
  • Good in pots
  • Flowers

Creamy ivory leaf margins combined with dramatically curled foliage create a distinctive architectural feature unlike most Agave varieties.

Regular price $440.00
Sale price $440.00 Regular price
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
Pot size
Available batches
Size: 40cm/45L
Current height guide
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Pot size
40cm/45L

Approximate only. Minimum height important? Confirm with us.

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Quantity

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Size / batchEachQuantity
30cm/33cmApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$170.00
40cm/45LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$440.00
100LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$980.00

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

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    About Agave gypsophila ‘Ivory Curls’

    Agave gypsophila 'Ivory Curls' is a variegated form of the Gypsum Century Plant, grown for its soft blue-grey leaves edged in creamy ivory. The leaves are broad and thin for an agave, and they wave and curl along their length, which gives the rosette a loose sculptural look rather than a rigid one.

    It wants full sun and sharp drainage, and puts on roughly 20 to 40 centimetres a year, quick for an agave. It is the least cold hardy of the commonly grown agaves, so it suits frost free coastal and subtropical gardens rather than cold inland sites. Drought tolerance is excellent once established.

    Use it where the foliage can be seen up close: raised beds, courtyard corners, gravel gardens and wide pots. The ivory edge holds all year, so one plant carries a bed through winter when little else is doing anything. Allow about a metre and a half of clear space around each rosette.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Ivory Curls Agave

    What is Ivory Curls Agave?

    Ivory Curls Agave is Agave gypsophila 'Ivory Curls', a variegated succulent from Mexico grown for its foliage rather than its flowers. The leaves are soft blue-grey with wide creamy ivory margins, and they wave and curl along their length. It forms a loose open rosette to about a metre across and holds its colour all year.

    How big does Ivory Curls Agave grow?

    Expect 60 centimetres to 1 metre high and 1 to 1.5 metres wide at maturity, reached in about four to six years in warm conditions. The rosette spreads outward more than upward, so allow a clear circle around it rather than height clearance. Plants held in containers stay smaller, usually around two thirds of those dimensions.

    Is Ivory Curls Agave frost tolerant?

    Only marginally. Agave gypsophila is the most cold sensitive of the commonly grown agaves, and the leaves mark or rot after frost at or near zero. Treat it as a frost free plant suited to coastal and subtropical gardens. In cooler districts grow it in a pot that can be moved under cover, or plant it beneath eaves.

    Does it need full sun or shade?

    Full sun gives the strongest ivory and the tightest form. It will grow in bright part shade, but the leaves stretch, the variegation dulls and the curling is far less pronounced. In inland areas with extreme summer heat a little afternoon shade is fine. Deep shade is not suitable and produces soft, weak growth.

    Can Ivory Curls Agave be grown in pots?

    Yes, and it is one of the better agaves for containers because the arching leaves suit a raised position. Use a wide pot at least 40 centimetres across with a cactus and succulent mix, and keep the drainage holes clear. Water when the mix has dried through in summer and keep it nearly dry over winter.

    When does Ivory Curls Agave flower?

    Flowering happens in summer on a tall branched spike carrying yellow flowers, but only after many years. Like all agaves it is monocarpic, so the rosette that flowers dies afterwards, usually leaving offsets behind to take its place. Most garden plants are grown for foliage and never flower, so treat it as a bonus rather than an expectation.

    How do I care for Ivory Curls Agave?

    Plant into free-draining soil or raise the bed, water weekly through the first summer, then largely leave it alone. Remove spent lower leaves at the base with a clean knife to keep the rosette tidy. A light slow release fertiliser in spring is enough. Avoid overhead watering in humid weather, which marks the foliage.

    Key growing information
    Mature height80cm to 1.2m
    Mature width1.5m to 2m
    PositionFull Sun
    Growth per year20cm to 40cm per year under suitable conditions
    FrostFrost Sensitive
    FoliageEvergreen (foliage year round)
    UsesFeature Tree · Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots · Underplanting
    Foliage

    Evergreen (foliage year round)

    Position
    • Full Sun
    Use
    • Feature Tree
    • Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots
    • Underplanting
    Mature height
    80cm to 1.2m
    Mature width
    1.5m to 2m

    Planting Information

    How To Plant Your Agave gypsophila ‘Ivory Curls’ – Ivory Curls Agave

    Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

    Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

    Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

    Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

    Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Agave gypsophila ‘Ivory Curls’ – Ivory Curls Agave

    Feature planting: 1.5 to 2 metres apart so the curling foliage can arch freely.

    Mass planting: 1 to 1.2 metres apart for a textured succulent drift.

    Agave gypsophila ‘Ivory Curls’ – Ivory Curls Agave is expected to grow 20cm to 40cm per year under suitable conditions.

    • Medium Growth Rate

    Long Term Care For Your Agave gypsophila ‘Ivory Curls’ – Ivory Curls Agave

    Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, reduce to once weekly in dry periods. Mulch helps maintain consistent moisture.

    Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

    Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Light tip prune in late winter to maintain shape if used as hedging or screening. For a clear trunk feature, remove lower branches as the tree grows.

    Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

    Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional scale or caterpillar inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

    Planting Your Agave gypsophila ‘Ivory Curls’ – Ivory Curls Agave in Different Soil

    Agave gypsophila performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is improved with organic matter.

    Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch well to maintain consistent moisture.

    Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost before planting.

    Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

    pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter to maintain levels naturally.

    Uses in my Garden

    Uses in my Garden

    • Feature Tree
    • Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots
    • Underplanting

    Agave gypsophila ‘Ivory Curls’ – Ivory Curls Agave works in an:

    • Contemporary / Architectural Garden – striking forms for bold design statements.
    • Coastal Garden – relaxed, seaside feel with hardy, textural plants.
    • Mediterranean Style Garden – timeless courtyard look with stone, pots, and bold greenery.

    Is Agave gypsophila ‘Ivory Curls’ – Ivory Curls Agave Evergreen or Deciduous?

    Agave gypsophila ‘Ivory Curls’ – Ivory Curls Agave is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

    Mature Height & Width

    Mature Height: 80cm to 1.2m

    Mature Width: 1.5m to 2m

    Agave gypsophila ‘Ivory Curls’ – Ivory Curls Agave is expected to grow 20cm to 40cm per year under suitable conditions.

    Growth Rate of Agave gypsophila ‘Ivory Curls’ – Ivory Curls Agave

    Agave gypsophila ‘Ivory Curls’ – Ivory Curls Agave is expected to grow 20cm to 40cm per year under suitable conditions.

    They are considered to have a:

    • Medium Growth Rate

    Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Agave gypsophila ‘Ivory Curls’ – Ivory Curls Agave

    Is Agave gypsophila ‘Ivory Curls’ – Ivory Curls Agave frost tolerant?

    Agave gypsophila ‘Ivory Curls’ – Ivory Curls Agave is Frost Sensitive – May suffer damage from frost, best in frost-free or protected spots.

    Does Agave gypsophila ‘Ivory Curls’ – Ivory Curls Agave Flower?

    Agave gypsophila ‘Ivory Curls’ produces tall flowering spikes bearing clusters of greenish-yellow flowers on mature plants. Flowering typically occurs only after many years of growth and creates a dramatic architectural display, although the plant is primarily valued for its broad blue-grey foliage highlighted by creamy ivory variegation and distinctive curled leaf margins.

    Does Agave gypsophila ‘Ivory Curls’ – Ivory Curls Agave flower?

    • Yes - Flowers

    Flowering Period:

    • Summer

    Flower Type:

    • Not Applicable

    Flower Colour:

    Yellow

    Is Agave gypsophila ‘Ivory Curls’ – Ivory Curls Agave an Australian Native Tree?

    No

    Agave gypsophila ‘Ivory Curls’ – Ivory Curls Agave is Native to

    What is the Wildlife Value of Agave gypsophila ‘Ivory Curls’ – Ivory Curls Agave ?

    Its mature flower spikes provide a valuable nectar source for bees and other beneficial pollinators when in bloom, supporting biodiversity within dry-climate and ornamental landscapes. The broad foliage rosettes can also provide sheltered microhabitats for beneficial insects within garden settings.

    How much Sunlight does Agave gypsophila ‘Ivory Curls’ – Ivory Curls Agave need?

    Agave gypsophila ‘Ivory Curls’ – Ivory Curls Agave will thrive best in:

    • Full Sun

    Preferred Soil?

    Agave gypsophila ‘Ivory Curls’ performs best in free-draining sandy or loam soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. It will also tolerate poor soils, rocky sites and challenging landscape conditions provided drainage remains excellent. Avoid heavy clay or persistently wet conditions, as excess moisture can lead to root and crown problems. Allow the soil to dry thoroughly between watering once established to maintain healthy growth, foliage colour and long-term vigour.

    Is Agave gypsophila ‘Ivory Curls’ – Ivory Curls Agave Drought Tolerant?

    Is Agave gypsophila ‘Ivory Curls’ – Ivory Curls Agave Drought tolerant?

    As a young plant it benefits from occasional watering to establish a healthy root system, particularly during extended dry periods. Once established, Ivory Curls Agave shows excellent drought tolerance and performs reliably through prolonged dry conditions with minimal supplementary watering.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: What makes Ivory Curls different from Blue Curl Agave?
    A: Ivory Curls features creamy ivory variegation along the leaf margins, while Blue Curl is typically a solid blue-grey foliage form.

    Q: Is it drought tolerant?
    A: Yes, once established it requires very little supplemental watering.

    Q: Can it be grown in pots?
    A: Yes, it performs exceptionally well in large decorative containers.

    Q: Is it suitable for coastal gardens?
    A: Yes, it tolerates coastal conditions and salt-laden air very well.

    Compare sizes side by side

    30cm/33cm

    Enquire for current heights

    40cm/45L

    Enquire for current heights

    100L

    Enquire for current heights

    Heights are approximate and vary between individual trees.

    Agave gypsophila ‘Ivory Curls’ is loved for its Creamy ivory leaf margins combined with dramatically curled foliage create a distinctive architectural feature unlike most Agave varieties.

    We take pride in supplying A+ grade advanced trees. When stock at our farm is not yet ready, we work with our trusted trade suppliers to source the best available trees for your garden.

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