Meet the Team: Our Favorite Agaves

Here at MicroStarts, we're passionate about growing beautiful, drought-tolerant plants. While we love all the varieties in our greenhouse, some agaves hold a special place in our hearts. We asked three of our team members to share their favorite agave and what makes it stand out. From soft blues to glowing variegation to geometric perfection, each choice reveals something unique about these remarkable succulents.

Simran's Pick: Agave 'Boutin Blue'

Simran's Favorite Agave:

Agave 'Boutin Blue'

Why you like it:

"Just a very aesthetically pleasing plant that seems to always catch my eye."

What makes it special:

"It has a beautiful form, the color is very nice, and it seems to be nicely placed in any landscape."

Their experience:

"I have a couple of these in my yard, and I can’t help but stop and admire them every time I walk up to my house. I planted them when they were small, so watching them grow and take shape over time has been such a rewarding experience."

Boutin Blue grows upright and spreading, eventually forming impressive clumps if offsets aren't removed. It generally grows between 3.5-5 feet tall, making an elegant statement in water-wise gardens and contemporary landscapes. The gracefully incurved leaves create that distinctive "flame" appearance that makes the plant look almost sculpted.

Jaya's Pick: Agave 'Snow Glow'

Jaya's Favorite Agave:

Agave 'Snow Glow'

Why you like it:

"I am a bit of a plant nerd and finding this unique mutation out of our tissue culture lab was so cool. From the first randomly mutated plant, through the process of stabilizing it, it was absolutely fascinating to be a part of. At first we weren't sure if the glowing edges had been passed on to this variegated mutation from its parent plant, the Blue Glow Agave, but as the first specimen matured they showed that they did indeed inherit the red edges to each leaf, which complements the creamy variegation on the margins perfectly."

What makes it special:

"With its unique look and compact form this agave is a must have for any succulent garden or xeriscaping project!"

Their experience:

"While I can't plant any of these at the house I am renting, I really adore them and this winter I am working on adding some to the landscaping around the lab so everyone who visits can see how gorgeous they are when they mature."

Agave 'Snow Glow' is the variegated form of the popular Agave 'Blue Glow', and it takes an already stunning plant to new heights. This compact hybrid forms perfectly symmetrical rosettes of smooth, blue-green leaves accented with bright yellow edges and vibrant red margins that, like other Blue Glow varieties, appear almost luminous in sunlight. It's added variegation sets Snow Glow apart, making it a striking addition to low-water landscapes.

Victoria's Pick: Agave victoriae-reginae (Queen Victoria Agave)

Victoria's Favorite Agave:

Agave victoriae-reginae (Queen Victoria Agave)

Why you like it:

"Its white accents make it showy, but elegant. I've seen the effect of its white stripes and tight rosette described as hypnotic, and I tend to agree. It's a truly standout ornamental - not just because we share a name."

What makes it special:

"In the plant business, you grow accustomed to extensively bred hybrids and cultivars, and assume that's what a lot of plants are. Therefore, I was surprised to learn that the delicate white markings characteristic of Victoriae-reginae appear naturally in areas it is native to. While those sold commercially have generally been bred to amplify this effect, I still think they're a wonderful example of the inherent beauty and artistry of nature."

Their experience:

"I'm outside of its hardiness zones, so I haven't had the pleasure of growing one outdoors. However, due to its compact form, it's a good candidate for growing in container gardens or as an indoor plant. Definitely going to try next year."

Native to the high-altitude regions of northeastern Mexico's Chihuahuan Desert, Queen Victoria agave is naturally adapted to harsh, arid conditions. It's a slow grower, but its 10-18 inch maximum height makes them suitable even for apartment balconies or small urban spaces. Their leaves are also essentially spineless along the margins, with only a small terminal spine at each leaf tip.

Why Agaves Work for Everyone

While our team members have different favorites, all three agaves share qualities that make them excellent choices for modern landscaping. They're drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and visually striking. They work beautifully in containers or in the ground, and they're well-suited for hot, dry climates where water conservation matters. No matter which variety you’re drawn to, each offers something special for your garden or space.

Ready to add one of our favorites - or one of your own - to your collection? Visit our agave collection to explore all the varieties we offer, and don't forget to check out our starter plant guide for tips on helping your new plants thrive.