Agave attenuata 'Variegata' (Variegata Fox Tail Agave) - This is the yellow variegated form of Agave attenuata. Like the species this plant is unarmed and so is useful in locations where other agaves may not be used. It is far slower growing than the species but with time clumps of this plant can be expected to reach 3 to 4 feet tall by twice this width (if your friends don't talk you out of spare rosettes from time to time). The wide pale green pliable leaves have yellow stripes near the margins that are different from leaf to leaf.
Plant in full coastal sun to shade in moist or dry soils (looks best with regular watering). Tolerates seaside conditions but it will usually be damaged in temperatures below 28° F - seems a bit more tender to cold and heat than the non-variegated forms. Protect from snails which can also disfigure the plant.
This is the most heavily variegated of the Agave attenuata that we grow but its variegation is unstable and each plant, and in fact each leaf, tends to have a different variegation and sometime the leaves have so little green chlorophyl that the plant grows very slowly. For more information about the species itself and the other selections of it, see our listing for Agave attenuata.
The information about Agave attenuata 'Variegata' that is displayed on this web page is based on research conducted in our nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We will also include observations made about this plant as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens that we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We also incorporate comments that we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they share cultural information that aids others growing this plant.
Please note that after 46 years in business, San Marcos Growers will be discontinuing nursery operations by the end of 2025 and the property will be developed for affordable housing.
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