Variegated Smooth Agave

3 Gallon

$66.90

1/5

Variegated Smooth Agave

Agave desmettiana 'Variegata'

Smooth, Variegated Spineless Leaves • Rarely Flowers (Long-Lived) • Shade Tolerant & Adaptable

$66.90

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Variegated Smooth Agave is a versatile and handsome plant, forming symmetrical rosettes of smooth, fleshy leaves edged in creamy yellow. It is exceptionally adaptable, tolerating more shade and moisture than many agaves, and rarely flowers, making it a long-lived, low-maintenance feature for borders, containers, or mass plantings in warm climates.

Forms a neat, symmetrical rosette of smooth, spineless leaves with creamy yellow margins.
Rarely flowers, so it is effectively polycarpic (lives for many years without dying after bloom).
Tolerates partial shade and more frequent watering better than most agaves.
Moderate growth rate and readily produces offsets to form a colony.
An excellent choice for mass plantings, low hedges, or containers in subtropical landscapes.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Features:Thick, lance-shaped leaves in yellow-green with creamy-yellow margins. Features deep orange terminal spines that age to dark brown, with minimal or no marginal teeth.
Mature Height: 2-4 ft
Mature Width: 2-4 ft
Growth Rate: Slow
Light Needs: Full sun
Key Advantages:Striking variegated foliage with colorful spines,Exceptionally drought tolerant,Deer resistant,Low-maintenance
Landscape Uses:Rock gardens,Xeriscapes,Container planting (smaller size),Architectural accents
Special Notes:Monocarpic (flowers once after 10-15 years with yellow-white blooms, then dies). Requires well-draining soil.
Hardiness:Tolerates drought and heat. Deer proof.

Q: How big does it get and how do I manage the pups?
A: It forms a rosette 2-3 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide. It readily produces offsets. You can leave them to form a dense, multi-headed clump, or carefully remove and replant them in spring or early summer to control spread or propagate new plants.

Q: Is it cold hardy?
A: It is moderately cold-hardy, generally tolerating temperatures down to 25-30°F (-4 to -1°C) for short periods if the soil is dry. It is best suited for USDA zones 8b-11. In colder or wetter climates, it excels in a container that can be moved to a sheltered location in winter.