Growing Agave in Atlanta: A Courtyard Success Story

Agaves aren't typically winter-hardy in Atlanta—but a Queen Victoria century plant (Agave victoriae-reginae) has thrived since 2009 in an elementary school courtyard, surviving brutal winters in 2013–14 and 2014–15. The brick building provides radiant heat and wind protection, creating a microclimate that mimics Zone 8b.

Lesson: with the right sheltered spot—south-facing walls, courtyards, heat-retaining hardscape—marginally hardy succulents can become permanent landscape stars.