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Cactus Succulent

Agave americana 'Variegata' (v)
  • RHS AGM

century plant 'Variegata'

an evergreen perennial forming handsome 1.5m tall rosettes of spiny-edged, grey-green leaves with longitudinal creamy-white stripes; seldom flowers

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Cream Green Grey Silver
Summer Green Cream Green Grey Silver
Autumn Cream Green Grey Silver
Winter Cream Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Asparagaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus

Agave can be perennial or monocarpic succulents, forming rosettes of usually rigid, fleshy, spiny-edged leaves, with funnel-shaped flowers in racemes or panicles often much taller than the rosettes

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in a standard cactus compost, in bright, filtered light. When in growth water moderately and feed every two or three weeks with a balanced liquid feed. Keep almost dry in the winter. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further information

Propagation

Propagate by offsets taken in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Architectural
  • Gravel garden
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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