9 Striking Plants That Mimic the Look of Agave

With their distinctive rosette shape and spiky succulent foliage agaves are one of the most iconic plants for dry climate landscapes. But what if you want to emulate the unique architectural style of agave without actually growing the plant?

Luckily there are numerous options that closely resemble the ornate form and structural texture of agave. From other succulents to tropicals, these agave “lookalikes” can provide a similar aesthetic in your garden design.

Why Consider Agave Alternatives

There are several solid reasons to explore agave lookalike plants

• You live outside the ideal climate zone for growing agave. Many mimics tolerate more cold or humidity.

• You want to avoid the sharp spines and toxic sap of some agave around kids or pets. Some alternatives have softer leaves.

• Certain lookalikes bloom more heavily than common agave species.

• Some agave doppelgangers stay smaller for container growing or compact areas.

• You want diversity and intrigue mixed in with real agaves. Alternatives create contrast.

Top Plants That Can Substitute for Agave

Yucca

With their stiff, spear-shaped leaves radiating from a central base, many yucca species naturally resemble agave. Varieties like Yucca filamentosa and Yucca gloriosa make excellent stand-ins. Some yucca have more tender leaves and less vicious spines versus agave.

Dasylirion

Often called desert spoon, plants in the Dasylirion genus are frequently mistaken for agave. Dasylirion feature grassy, spoon-shaped gray-green leaves in a round cluster. Though smaller than some agaves, they offer a very similar form.

Euphorbia

Certain large euphorbia species in the subgenus Euphorbia strongly resemble agave, with their arrangement of thick, succulent leaves in a ring shape. Euphorbia ingens and Euphorbia ammak are two prime examples that mimic agave perfectly in containers.

Nolina

Also known as beargrass, nolina species like Nolina nelsonii have stiff, sword-shaped foliage that emulates the look of agave or yucca. Nolina often grow in a compact rosette shape. They tolerate drought but handle more moisture than true agave.

Bromeliad

With their stacking layers of leaves spiraling out from the base, bromeliads like Quesnelia mimic the whorled, cupped shape associated with some agaves. Their colorful bracts and blooms provide showier flowers than agave. Bromeliads thrive in humid air.

Beschorneria

This succulent forms a crown of arching gray-green leaves that closely mirrors certain agave species. Unlike true agave, beschorneria sends up tall bloom stalks covered in red and pink tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds.

Cordyline

With stiff, spiky leaves in a clustered growth pattern, cordyline selections resemble small, compact agaves. Varieties like ‘Red Star’ offer vibrant reddish or variegated foliage similar to some variegated agaves.

Ornamental Grasses

Grasses aren’t often likened to agave, but clumping types like blue fescue or miscanthus ‘Strictus’ can emulate the dense vertical leaves of some agave when grouped. Their fine texture contrasts with agave.

Furcraea

Part of the asparagus family, furcraea resemble agave so closely they are called false agave. But unlike true agave they produce bulbous, exotic flowers. Varieties like Furcraea foetida offer the same huge presence as giant agave.

Tips for Using Agave Mimics

• Choose lookalikes suited for your climate – yucca and cordyline for humidity, for example.

• Mix mimics in with real agave for diversity and contrast.

• Use smaller alternatives like euphorbia for container plants by pools or play areas.

• Let blooming lookalikes provide floral color to contrast plain agave.

Benefits of Agave Lookalikes

Agave mimics offer several appealing attributes:

• Architectural impact: Striking shapes and forms provide sculptural structure.

• Texture: Thick, rigid foliage contrasts softly textured plants.

• Size versatility: Options range from compact to bold focal points.

• Low maintenance: Most adapt to drought, heat and poor soil like agave.

• Extended interest: Some provide prolific blooms and flower color.

Alternative Uses for Agave Doppelgangers

Beyond substituting for agave, also consider these creative ways to use lookalikes:

• Feature as focal points in borders or rock gardens.

• Edge walkways or define garden “rooms” for separation.

• Plant en masse for big impact in expansive dry gardens.

• Contrast fine textures like grasses and delicate perennials.

• Add height and texture to mixed succulent containers.

• Grow in staggered heights for dramatic vertical displays.

• Pair with boulders and gravel to echo their textures.

Achieve the Agave Look Sans the Pain

While agave offer striking appeal, their spiny leaves and toxic sap can present challenges. Therefore, growing agave lookalikes allows you to accomplish the visual impact without the potential pain!

If you admire the unique sculptural presence of agave but want options better suited to your climate or space, experiment with agave doppelgangers. Yucca, euphorbia, bromeliads and other mimics profiled here can help you recreate the exotic agave style you love.

In short, don’t limit yourself to only growing true agave species. Take advantage of the diversity of captivating plants that can emulate the elegance of agave beautifully in your landscape.