Agave marmorata (Marbled Agave)

Slow-growing, Agave marmorata (Marbled Agave) is a medium-sized evergreen succulent forming a handsome solitary rosette with up to 30-50 large, broad, blue-gray, convoluted leaves, often adorned with pale blue and gray-green stripes. The colorful banding is highlighted as the leaves unfurl from around the central cone. The leaves are deeply serrated and lined with sharp spines along their edges. This Agave derives its common name from the grayish marble-like hue and transverse zones that sometimes bar the leaves. Mature plants flower only once. They are topped with a magnificent flowering spike that can reach 20 ft. (6 m) and bears clusters of brilliant golden yellow flowers, which grace the skyline. Eye-catching, the nectar-rich blooms will attract the attention of scores of bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. The flowering rosette dies after flowering. This striking Agave holds up well in drought situations and can take light freezes. It is beautiful when used as a specimen or to provide year-round foliage color. It is often used in a pot as a patio plant, where it makes an eye-catching statement.

• Grows up to 3-4 ft. tall (90-120 cm) and 4-6 ft. wide (120-180 cm).
• Easily grown in sandy or gravelly, moist or dry, well-drained soils in full sun or light shade. Water thoroughly when the soil is dry to the touch. In winter, watering this plant can be done once every 1-2 months.
• Great for beds and borders, city gardens, rock gardens, succulent gardens, or Mediterranean gardens. Ideal as an accent plant in sunny borders.
• Deer resistant
• Virtually disease free. Watch for slugs and snails.
• Propagate by offsets
• Native to Mexico, Oaxaca.