Agave geminiflora
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Common: Twin-flowered agave
Family: Agavaceae
Origin/Range: Mexico (Nayarit) in a small area, at 3500 to 4500 feet elevation (1000-1400 m)
Light: Full sun to shade
Temp: Hardy to 25°F (-4°C). Light shade in summer in Phoenix.
Water: Little water
Also known as Dracaena boscii, Bonapartea juncea, Littaea geminiflora, Yucca boscii, Agave angustissima, Bonapartea flagelliformis. The species name geminiflora comes from the Latin for "twin flowered", and refers to the fact the flowers are grouped 2 per bracts, along the spike.
Solitary dense rosette, occasionally forms a trunk. The mature rosettes bear a narrow 8 to 12 feet tall spike (2.5 to 3.5 m) carrying yellow flowers with a hint of red.
Unlike most Agaves the leaves on this one are unarmed, so it can be planted where there is a little pedestrian traffic.
Twin-flowered Agave can be grow in full sun or shade. When in full sun the leaves will be stiff, when in shade the leaves will be a bit more relaxed. Like most desert plants this Agave prefers a well drained soil and can survive with little water. The life span of Agave geminiflora is generally 10 years, after this the plant sends up a large spike flower that can be up to 18 feet tall. Agave geminiflora will experience some frost damage at 25°F, in colder climates it is best to plant in containers that can be moved to protected areas in the winter.