This competition is now closed

Agave americana ‘Variegata’

Agave

Botanical name: Agave americana 'Variegata'
Common name: Agave
Family: Asparagaceae
Plant Type: Cactus or succulent, Evergreen

Flower colour:

Yellow

Foliage colour:

Variegation

Key features:
Dramatic foliage
Flowers

More a succulent border perennial than a shrub because it does not develop permanent woody stems, Agave americana ‘Variegata’ is a variegated form of Agave americana, regarded by many as an indoor or seasonal plant for growing outdoors in summer. It eventually forms an enormous rosette of stiff, dangerously pointed leaves. It only flowers when about 30-40 years old, after which the main plant dies, leaving young offsets as successors.

This cultivar is similar to ‘Mediopicta’, except that ‘Variegata’ has green leaves with creamy margins, whereas the reverse is true for ‘Mediopicta’.

Grow Agave americana ‘Variegata’ in well-drained soil in full sun. When mature they’ll be able to cope with cold and frosts provided they’re protected from winter wet. Young plants will need extra protection. Alternatively grow in containers which you can move indoors in autumn.

How to grow Agave 'Variegata'

Plant size

2m height

3m spread
Aspect

South facing, west facing

Sun exposure: Full sun
Hardiness: Frost hardy
Soil type: Well drained / light / sandy

Plant calendar

A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plant
Plant	Do not Plant in January	Do not Plant in February	Do not Plant in March	Do not Plant in April	Do Plant in May	Do Plant in June	Do not Plant in July	Do not Plant in August	Do not Plant in September	Do not Plant in October	Do not Plant in November	Do not Plant in December