Quadricolor Agave

Agave lophantha 'Quadricolor'

Light

Water

Low water once established; water deeply, then let soil dry thoroughly. Provide occasional supplemental water during prolonged summer heat; water sparingly in winter.

Size

1-1.5 ft tall × 1.5-2.5 ft wide

Habit

Clustering succulent

Toxicity

Sap / Skin Irritant

Description

A compact, variegated agave (Agave lophantha ‘Quadricolor’) with narrow, toothed leaves displaying dark green bands, a pale green center, and creamy yellow margins that can blush pink or red in cool weather.

Bloom Time

Spring to summer; monocarpic / blooms once then dies

Deciduous / Evergreen

Special Features

Growth Rate

Growth Habit

Mature Size

1-1.5 ft tall × 1.5-2.5 ft wide

Flower Color

Yellow-green

Foliage Color

Variegated green / yellow / and red

Landscape Use

Border / Bed, Cactus / Succulent Garden, Container / Patio, Desert / Xeriscape, Specimen / Accent

Garden Style

Container / Patio, Desert / Xeriscape

Soil

Alkaline Tolerant, Sandy / Rocky, Well-Drained

Companion Plants

Elephant's food, Golden barrel cactus, Red yucca

Toxicity

Sap / Skin Irritant

Sap is a skin and eye irritant; spine tips cause injury.

Care Instructions

Light: Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal in Phoenix; protect from intense reflected heat and harsh summer afternoon sun.

Water: Low water once established; water deeply, then let soil dry thoroughly. Provide occasional supplemental water during prolonged summer heat; water sparingly in winter.

Soil: Very well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil; tolerates alkaline soil. Use a fast-draining cactus mix in containers.

Mature size: About 1–2 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide per rosette; offsetting colonies spread wider.

Bloom: Each rosette blooms once at maturity, usually after many years, then dies; offsets continue growing.

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen.

Growth rate: Slow to moderate, depending on warmth, moisture, and growing conditions.