Agave stricta 'Rubra'

Red Hedgehog Agave is a stunning architectural succulent prized for its perfectly rounded form and vibrant color. Dense rosettes of slender, pencil-like leaves radiate outward in every direction, creating a striking, hedgehog-like silhouette unlike any other agave. In bright sun and dry conditions, the foliage transforms from deep green to brilliant shades of bronze, ruby red, and reddish-pink, making this variety a spectacular focal point in any landscape or container.

Native to the mountains of Puebla and Oaxaca, Mexico, Agave stricta 'Rubra' is exceptionally drought-tolerant and thrives where many other plants struggle. Its tidy, symmetrical habit and low-maintenance nature make it an outstanding choice for rock gardens, xeriscapes, succulent collections, and decorative patio containers. Mature plants may eventually produce a dramatic flower spike reaching 6–7 feet tall with reddish-purple to greenish-brown blooms.

Height: 14–20 inches
Width: 20–32 inches
Habit: Dense Rosette
Exposure: Full Sun
USDA Zones: 8–11

Why You'll Love It:

• Brilliant Color: Foliage develops vibrant shades of red, bronze, and reddish-pink in full sun.
• Perfectly Rounded Form: Dense, symmetrical rosettes create a striking architectural display.
• Excellent for Xeriscaping: Thrives in hot, dry locations with very little supplemental water.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal watering, pruning, or fertilizing.
• Container-Friendly: Its compact size makes it perfect for decorative pots and succulent gardens.

Whether showcased as a dramatic specimen plant or incorporated into a drought-tolerant landscape, Red Hedgehog Agave offers year-round color, texture, and sculptural beauty with very little maintenance.

Red Hedgehog Agave Basic Care: Easy

Watering: Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings. Water deeply but infrequently, and reduce watering significantly during winter.

Light: Thrives in full sun. The brightest red foliage develops with plenty of direct sunlight and slightly drier growing conditions.

Soil/Drainage: Plant in a fast-draining cactus or succulent mix, or sandy, gravelly soil. Excellent drainage is essential to prevent root rot.

Temperature/Humidity: Prefers warm, dry climates and tolerates temperatures down to approximately 15–20°F once established. Protect container-grown plants from prolonged freezing temperatures and excessive winter moisture.

Feeding: Feed lightly once during spring with a diluted cactus or succulent fertilizer. Excess fertilizer is unnecessary and may reduce the plant's compact form.

Repotting: Repot every 3–5 years or when the plant outgrows its container. Always use a pot with excellent drainage.

General Tips: For the most intense red coloration, provide full sun, lean soil, and avoid excessive watering. Handle carefully, as each narrow leaf ends in a sharp terminal spine. Once established, Red Hedgehog Agave is exceptionally drought-tolerant and thrives with little attention, making it an excellent choice for water-wise landscapes and low-maintenance container gardens.

-Plants ship in a grower's pot, fully rooted.
-We ship every Monday and Tuesday (excluding holidays) to avoid weekend delays.
-Our photos show what you can expect, but each plant is unique and may look slightly different upon arrival.
-Minor damage during shipping is entirely normal and should be expected, especially in extreme summer or winter temperatures. Don’t worry—damaged foliage can be trimmed away and will not affect the plant's root system or overall health.
-Hold off on watering if the soil is still moist, and wait 2-4 weeks before repotting or fertilizing. This patience will help your plant adjust smoothly without going into shock.

Important:

• Report any order issues the day they arrive by emailing info@magicvalleygardens.com with a photo. After 24 hours, no refunds, returns, or exchanges—no exceptions.
• We guarantee plants arrive alive, but can’t promise long-term success given the nature of plants.
• Refunds are handled on a case-by-case basis. Many plants recover with proper care, so refunds may not be needed.