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Agave americana variegata
The plant likes sunny locations, but can also tolerate partial shade.
Always water a few days after the substrate has dried out. Reduce watering in winter.
It can withstand temperatures down to -12.2 °C for short periods. However, the plant is not frost-resistant.
Agave americana variegata, scientifically known as A. a. Marginata, gets its name from the contrasting variegation exclusively along the edges of its leaves.
Agave americana variegata is a variegated form also known under the scientific name Agave americana Marginata. In English, it is commonly called the Yellow Margin Century Plant or the Variegated Century Plant. The species epithet americana means “American” and refers to the place where the species was first described, while the exact origin of this variegated cultivar is not known.
The plant forms large rosettes of grey-green leaves with creamy to yellow stripes along the margins. The leaves arch outward, often twist slightly, and carry sharp marginal spines as well as a strong dark brown terminal spine. They can reach up to 1.5 meters in length and about 25 cm in width, while the rosette may grow up to 1.8 m tall and around 2.4 m in diameter.
The flowers are yellow to greenish-yellow. The rosette typically blooms only after several decades, and after flowering it dies.
Agave americana variegata grows relatively fast, can be occasionally fertilized during the growing season, and is partially frost tolerant. If you are looking for a striking variegated agave with an impressive rosette, this cultivar can be an excellent choice for cultivation.