How Cold Hardy is Agave Utahensis?
Agave utahensis is known for its remarkable cold hardiness, making it a highly sought-after plant for gardens in colder climate zones. It is the species of agave found furthest north and thus is the most cold hardy agave. Unlike many other agave species, which struggle in freezing temperatures, agave utahensis regularly withstands subzero temperatures and snow in its natural habitat, where it can be found at elevations as high as 6,500 feet.
Research published by the US Department of Energy indicates that agave utahensis is the “agave species with the highest frost tolerance” and that it is hardy down to -23c/-9f. You can read that study here.
This resilience allows it to thrive even in USDA hardiness zone 5 and zone 6. And just to be clear, that also means that in the US, Agave utahensis will also be hardy in zones 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, although in warmer climates, like zones 8, 9, 10, and 11, it’ll require some protection from direct sun in the summer.
And that’s one of my favorite things about Agave utahensis: it’s the perfect plant for folks who live where its hard to grow other desert species, but who still want that Mojave look. Even in the notoriously not-desert UK, Agave utahensis was given the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit for it’s performance in gardens there.
The USDA hardiness map above shows what parts of the country are too cold (in gray) for agave utahensis to grow and which parts of the country are warm enough (in brown, pink and purple). If you do happen to live in the “too cold” area, you can still grow the utahensis in a greenhouse, or simply bring it in for the winter.
As with most desert plants, utahensis should be planted in fast-draining soil, high in inorganic content, and once fully acclimated it can tolerate full sun—both important traits for gardeners in cool hardiness zones.
