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Agave vilmoriniana 'Stained Glass' And Other Sightings
This is not my plant. It's in a different location in Southern California. It is what my copy of 'Stained Glass' wants to be when she grows up. Note there is an also huge, insanely beautiful 'Mr. Ripple' in the background:
It's seven or eight feet across, something like that.
Nice, eh?
In a drive close to home, spotted this new, somewhat more climate-appropriate front yard rehab. The whole front area was formerly lawn, except for the planter of roses and iris at left, which existed before the rehab.
A small circle of hybrid Bermuda grass is surrounded by a decomposed granite covered area planted with Parkinsonia x 'Desert Museum, a Cercis 'Forest Pansy' adjacent to the home, Bougainvillea, dwarf blue Dianella, and assorted succulent plants, plus a few decorative boulders.
Though our drought is not much in the news these days, it continues.
The narrow parking strip, (24"/61 cm) is planted with a groundcover Carissa (Carissa macrocarpa 'Green Carpet'?) of some sort.
Fairly well done, overall. The whole front area is slightly raised--I think that was true even when it was all lawn. Some loving maintenance will keep this looking good.
Someone had taste--they planted several Agave 'Blue Glow'.
A last, different sighting: the far smaller than A. vilmoriniana A. macroacantha 'Pablo's Choice' was unintentionally omitted from the recent All Agaves post. Added there, but here it is again if you don't care to go through that post again. Because pretty. The spines mature to a rich black, a pleasing contrast to the silver-blue leaves.
Ooh, 'Stained Glass' is a stunner and the makeover is delightful. My 'Mr. Ripple' is hanging out in the greenhouse for the winter, safe from the wetness.
ReplyDeleteSend more of that rain down here, please. We did get a little, so thank you. More, please!
DeleteMr. Ripple must look great in your greenhouse.
"Nice, eh?"...OMG! Nice doesn't even begin to cover it, that's just fantastic. As is your A. macroacantha 'Pablo's Choice'...
ReplyDeleteIf you happen to be able to visit, I will ask permission so you can see this plant in person. It is enormous--the photos don't show that. It's the best 'Stained Glass' I've ever seen.
DeleteYou are welcome to visit anytime ! Plus, I'd get to meet another blogger. That's what I call a win-win
DeleteI've no doubt that your 'Stained Glass' will be just as magnificent in time - you can't hurry perfection. I'm glad you included 'Pablo's choice' in your update - a handsome fellow!
ReplyDeleteI missed a couple Aloes, too. Where did they all come from? ;^)
DeleteThat first Agave might be my favorite ever -- love those curvy octopus arms! Are people still getting rebates for this landscaping work?
ReplyDeleteNo,the rebates were over last year.
DeleteThere are many excellent Agaves, but this is a favorite of mine too. The leaves are easily broken so most specimens are not as beautiful as the one in the photos. Bracteosa and nizandensis also have brittle leaves.
En España estamos sufriendo un ataque brutal del conocido aquí como picudo negro que ataca a los Agaves, esta siendo demoledor, por donde pasa lo arrasa. Muy bonitas fotos por cierto. un abrazo desde Plantukis
ReplyDeleteLamento mucho saber de la devastación a Agaves en su país. Aquí, especialmente en Arizona, el gorgojo del hocico de Agave (Scyphophorus acupunctatus) es el asesino de Agaves. Esta plaga aún no ha llegado a California, pero somos conscientes de que nuestros hermosos Agaves están en riesgo.
DeleteMis mejores deseos, Raúl. Estoy feliz de que te hayan gustado las fotos.
It's awesome to see what 'Stained Glass' can be. Mine has a long way to go. And I hope it won't get quite that large.
ReplyDeleteThe lawn replacement rebates are still available as far as I know. We got ours in the spring.
The lawn rebate thing went by a combination of water district and water region. Here in Southern California, mostly in LA, it ran out quickly when a sly Wall Street type figured out how he could suck up most of that money for himself. Instant company that vanished as soon as the rebates ended.
DeleteHope your 'Stained Glass' becomes as beautiful as the example, just smaller. :)
Your agave love always makes me smile! I would love to plant an agave specimen in our backyard, but I am afraid the dogs will injure themselves, when they are running around like crazy. My roses are already bad enough for them (we have most of them fenced off at this point to protect the dogs from the thorns), but they could really poke an eye out on these agaves.
ReplyDeleteNonetheless, I love the agave 'Stained Glass', too!
Warm regards,
Christina
Agave attenuata is safe, although it would be in danger from the dogs, as the leaves are quite soft.
DeleteI think roses are not unlike Agaves--or vice-versa, as they are both "rosette" in shape, right? :)