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| Category: Succulent |
| Family: Agavaceae (now Asparagaceae) |
| Origin: Mexico (North America) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Yellow |
| Bloomtime: Infrequent |
| Synonyms: [A. 'Kichijokan'] |
| Height: <1 foot |
| Width: 1-2 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Summer Dry: Yes |
| Deer Tolerant: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F |
| May be Poisonous (More Info): Yes |
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Agave potatorum 'Kichiokan' (Dwarf Butterfly Agave) - This is a small tight-growing agave to 12 inches tall by 18 inches wide with short gray leaves and red spines. This selection is thought to be a Japanese cultivar of Agave potatorum and it and the variegated form called 'Kichiokan Marginata' or 'Kissho Kan' are very slow growing and highly sought after. Grow in full sun to light shade in hot climates. Mature plants have a hemispherical shape with upcurving leaves with yellow to pale green variegation along the margins and red spines. Little irrigation is required in coastal gardens, but it is best to provide some supplemental irrigation in hotter inland gardens. It is cold hardy to at least 25 degrees. Agave potatorum comes from the semi-arid highlands, in altitudes between 4,000 and 7,000 feet in Puebla and Oaxaca , and as a result, the species is quite variable in form. This cultivar resembles a diminutive form of this species but since unlike the solitary Agave potatorum, this cultivar clusters, leading some to think it a cultivar of Agave parryi or A. isthmensis - whatever its parentage, it sure is pretty. There has also been considerable debate by succulent enthusiasts and nurserymen over the correct translation and spelling of the cultivar name. The first form we had was the variegated form which we listed for years as we received it, under the name 'Kichiokan Marginata', others tell us that the variegated form is actually 'Kissho Kan', which translates to "lucky crown" or "happy crown" and that this non-variegated plant is the true 'Kichiokan'. Very confusing for such an attractive plant!
This information is based on research conducted about this plant in our nursery library and from reliable online sources. We also take into consideration observations of it in our nursery of crops, as well as of plants growing in the nursery's garden and those in other gardens we have visited. We will incorporate comments received from others and welcome getting feedback from anyone who may have additional information, particularly if it includes cultural information that would aid others in growing Agave potatorum 'Kichiokan'. |
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