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Agave ‘Kissho Kan’ (Butterfly Agave)

Agave 'Kichiokan', Lucky Crown Century Plant, Agave potatorum 'Kissho Kan', Agave potatorum 'Variegata', Agave 'Kichi-Jokan', Butterfly Agave

Agave 'Kissho Kan', Agave 'Kichiokan', Lucky Crown Century Plant, Agave potatorum 'Kissho Kan', Agave potatorum 'Variegata', Agave 'Kichi-Jokan', Butterfly Agave, blue Agave, Gray Agave, Drought tolerant plant
Agave 'Kissho Kan', Agave 'Kichiokan', Lucky Crown Century Plant, Agave potatorum 'Kissho Kan', Agave potatorum 'Variegata', Agave 'Kichi-Jokan', Butterfly Agave, blue Agave, Gray Agave, Drought tolerant plant

A magnificent Japanese selection, Agave ‘Kissho Kan’ is an evergreen, perennial succulent forming a perfectly symmetrical rosette of thick, rigid, soft silver-blue to blue-green leaves. The foliage is adorned with creamy white toothed margins and leaf spines, which emerge yellow, change to pale brown before turning dark reddish-brown. Quite compact, ‘Kissho Kan’ is a terrific addition to pots or containers. Mature plants produce offshoots that can be rooted and propagated easily.

  • Grows up to 12-15 in. tall (30-37 cm) and 18 in. wide (45 cm).
  • Easily grown in sandy or gravelly, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates part shade, particularly in hot desert gardens where some shade will prevent scorching of the foliage. Drought tolerant.
  • Great for rock gardens and ideal in decorative containers.
  • Plant away from foot traffic: the needle-sharp spines on the leaf tips can be a hazard to humans and pets. Don’t plant this Agave near paths or walkways
  • Attracts hummingbirds and birds but is deer resistant
  • Virtually disease free. Watch for scale insects.
  • Propagate by offsets
  • Use caution, safety glasses, long sleeves, long pants, well covered shoes, and gloves when cutting this plant.

Agave: Plant Care and Growing Guide


Agave plants are popular for landscaping because they are rich in many qualities and have a striking architectural appearance. Here are some tips on how to plant and grow agaves successfully

Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 11
Heat Zones 9 - 12
Climate Zones 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Cactus & Succulents
Plant Family Asparagaceae
Genus Agave
Common names Agave
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Birds, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Mediterranean Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden
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Do I Need?
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Agave tequilana (Blue Agave)
Agave angustifolia var. marginata (Caribbean Agave)
Agave xylonacantha (Saw Leaf Agave)
Agave x leopoldii (Leopold Agave)
Agave vilmoriniana ‘Stained Glass’ (Octopus Agave)
Agave macroacantha (Black-Spined Agave)

Recommended Companion Plants

Senecio mandraliscae (Blue Chalksticks)
Sedum nussbaumerianum (Stonecrop)
Eschscholzia californica (California Poppy)
Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’ (Blue Fescue)

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Agave: Plant Care and Growing Guide
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 11
Heat Zones 9 - 12
Climate Zones 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Cactus & Succulents
Plant Family Asparagaceae
Genus Agave
Common names Agave
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Birds, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Mediterranean Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Agave
Guides with
Agave
Not sure which Agave to pick?
Compare Now

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