Agave ovatifolia 'Vanzie'
BeginnerAgave ovatifolia 'Vanzie'
A clonal selection of the whale's tongue agave with folded undersides, wavy scalloped edges and small teeth on broad silver-blue leaves. Fast-growing and tolerant of cold, damp winters.
About
'Vanzie' is a clonal selection of Agave ovatifolia, the whale's tongue agave of the Sierra de Lampazos in northern Nuevo León, north-eastern Mexico, at about 1,100-2,100 m. The species, described by Starr and Villarreal in 2002, forms a rounded rosette of short, broad, cupped grey leaves and rarely offsets. According to a US specialist nursery, 'Vanzie' was selected by plantsman Kelly Griffin for its pronounced ventral leaf folds, smaller teeth, more scalloped and wavy leaf edges, and very fast growth. The nursery's eight-year-old plant reached about 120 cm tall and 210 cm wide before flowering in 2022, and it has done very well in their trials for damp, cold winters. It can be told from seed-grown ovatifolia by the leaf folds and wavy margins. Other named selections such as 'Frosty Blue' exist, so check whether a plant is a named clone or a seedling. In Japan, large specimens appear only occasionally at specialist nurseries.
Size of the Agave ovatifolia 'Vanzie'
The Agave ovatifolia 'Vanzie' grows to About 120 cm tall and 210 cm wide (an eight-year-old US plant).
Basic Info
Origin
Cultivar selected by Kelly Griffin (the species is from northern Nuevo León, Mexico)
Lifespan
Solitary and rarely offsets; dies after flowering (a US plant flowered at eight years)
Size
About 120 cm tall and 210 cm wide (an eight-year-old US plant)
Temperature
5〜40℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Light feeder; stays smaller when kept dry and grows much larger with water
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Full sun. It grows large, so give it plenty of room in the ground.
Watering
Drought tolerant and needs little supplemental water; withholding water keeps it smaller.
Temperature & Winter
The species has survived about -15°C in the US. In the ground keep the soil dry in winter and shelter it from rain the first winter.
Soil & Repotting
Choose free-draining soil. It rarely offsets, so it is hard to propagate.
Notes
Seed-grown ovatifolia is common; if you want 'Vanzie', confirm with the seller that it is the named clone.
Agave ovatifolia 'Vanzie' FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Agave ovatifolia 'Vanzie'?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow large does Agave ovatifolia 'Vanzie' get?
The mature size of Agave ovatifolia 'Vanzie' is About 120 cm tall and 210 cm wide (an eight-year-old US plant). This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Agave ovatifolia 'Vanzie'?
Agave ovatifolia 'Vanzie': watering & fertilizer — Light feeder; stays smaller when kept dry and grows much larger with water. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Agave ovatifolia 'Vanzie'?
The price of Agave ovatifolia 'Vanzie' varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Primary sources
- Species+ (CITES) query for Agave ovatifolia: not listed
- Ministry of the Environment, list of Invasive Alien Species (no Agave listed)
- MAFF plant variety registration database (no registered Agave varieties)
- Plant Delights Nursery: Agave ovatifolia 'Vanzie'
- San Marcos Growers: Agave ovatifolia
- PUKUBOOK succulent encyclopedia: オバティフォリア バンジー
- GBIF
- POWO
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices, and not designated as an Invasive Alien Species or Uncategorized Alien Species under Japanese law. It is not a registered variety under Japan's Plant Variety Protection and Seed Act (no Agave varieties were registered as of September 2026).
Sources: Species+ (CITES) query for Agave ovatifolia: not listed / Ministry of the Environment, list of Invasive Alien Species (no Agave listed) / MAFF plant variety registration database (no registered Agave varieties)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Agave ovatifolia 'Vanzie' Listings
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