Digging deeperPlant Library

Other Names:  Century Plant

Description:

An appealing variety producing a rosette of wide, green-gray foliage with pale yellow variegation, on stems that can reach 4 feet; infrequent flower stalks curve toward the ground, then arch back upward, resembling a fox's tail; a great accent planting

Ornamental Features

Variegated Fox Tail Agave features bold spikes of chartreuse cup-shaped flowers rising above the foliage in mid summer. It has buttery yellow-variegated dark green foliage with hints of grayish green which emerges lime green in spring. The succulent pointy leaves remain dark green throughout the winter.

Landscape Attributes

Variegated Fox Tail Agave is a multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a more or less rounded form. Its strikingly bold and coarse texture can be very effective in a balanced landscape composition.

This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and usually looks its best without pruning, although it will tolerate pruning. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Suckering

Variegated Fox Tail Agave is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Variegated Fox Tail Agave will grow to be about 5 feet tall at maturity extending to 10 feet tall with the flowers, with a spread of 7 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years.

This shrub should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in poor soils. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America. It can be propagated by multiplication of the underground bulbs; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

This plant is not reliably hardy in our region, and certain restrictions may apply; contact the store for more information.