Variegated Smooth Agave

The Variegated Smooth Agave, scientifically known as Agave desmettiana ‘Variegata’ (or sometimes simply Agave desmettiana ‘Marginata’), is an exceptionally elegant and highly popular succulent, celebrated for its vibrant, multi-toned foliage and graceful, spineless form. This cultivated variety is derived from Agave desmettiana, which is native to eastern Mexico, where it typically grows in coastal and dry forest areas, adapted to warm, frost-free climates and well-drained soils. As a monocarpic perennial, the Variegated Smooth Agave has a lifespan that typically ranges from 8 to 15 years (though it can vary) before the main rosette matures, produces a towering flower stalk, and then gradually dies.

Its most striking characteristic is its open, vase-shaped rosette of broad, thick, and notably soft, pliable leaves. The leaves are typically a bright emerald to apple green in the center, dramatically contrasted by wide, creamy-yellow to white margins. These margins can sometimes develop a delicate pink or reddish blush when exposed to strong sunlight or cooler temperatures, adding another layer of visual interest. Crucially, the leaves are spineless along their margins, with only a very small, soft terminal spine at the tip, making it a safe choice for planting near walkways or in high-traffic areas. The plant forms a graceful fountain-like silhouette, typically reaching a manageable size of 2-3 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide. It is known to produce numerous offsets (pups) at its base, ensuring its continued presence in the garden. When mature, it sends up a tall, arching flower stalk, typically 10-15 feet high, adorned with clusters of yellow flowers. The Variegated Smooth Agave is an excellent choice for containers, xeriscapes, borders, and as a stunning focal point, especially well-suited to the mild winter and hot summer climate of Phoenix, Arizona, where its vibrant year-round color, graceful form, and relatively fast growth are highly appreciated.