Agave plants are striking succulents that add bold shapes, colors, and textures to gardens and landscapes. Their sculptural forms and tropical look make them ideal for creating exotic garden appeal. Of the over 200 agave species, some of the most stunning feature vibrant yellow and green bicolor foliage. These eye-catching beauties make exceptional specimen plants for containers or beds.
We’ll talk about these beautiful green and yellow agave varieties and how to grow them successfully in this full guide.
Overview of Green and Yellow Agaves
While most agaves sport solid green or blue-hued leaves variegated varieties showcase mesmerizing multicolored foliage. Two popular green and yellow species are
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Agave desmettiana ‘Variegata’ has long, pointed, blue-green leaves with yellow edges. Grows 2-3 ft tall and wide in rosette shape. Cold hardy to 15°F.
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Agave lophantha ‘Quadricolor’ – Oval green leaves striped with yellow and red. Compact variety reaching 1-2 ft tall and wide. Hardy in zones 9-11.
Beyond their kaleidoscopic colors, agaves offer these fine qualities:
- Striking architectural shapes
- Minimal maintenance needs
- Excellent heat and drought tolerance
- Long-lived, typically 15-30 years
- Symmetrical rosette shape
- Spiny or spineless varieties
- Great container or landscape plants
Let’s explore how to select, plant, care for, and design with these desert divas.
How to Select Green and Yellow Agave Plants
When buying agaves, check for:
- Vibrant foliage – Look for rich, saturated coloration with no browning or yellowing. Avoid etiolated, pale plants.
- Firm leaves – Agave foliage should feel rigid and stiff, not limp, wrinkled, or mushy.
- Proper size – Plants should be well-sized for their containers with ample root development.
- Healthy roots – If buying potted agaves, check roots are white and firm, not brown or rotten.
- Good drainage – Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.
Selecting young, vigorous plants sets your variegated agave up for success. Now let’s get it planted properly.
How to Plant Green and Yellow Agaves
Agaves need well-draining soil and full sun exposure to thrive. Here are tips for planting success:
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Choose a sunny spot. Choose a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight for the best color.
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Prepare the soil. Agaves like sandy, gravelly soils. Amend clay-heavy soils with compost or sand to improve drainage.
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Dig a wide hole. Dig a hole 2-3 times wider than the container size to loosen the roots.
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Place the plant. Place the agave plant in the hole so that the top of its rosette is just above the soil.
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Backfill around roots. Fill in around the root ball with native soil, tamping down gently to remove air pockets.
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Water deeply. Give a thorough initial watering to saturate the root zone. Let drain fully.
Proper siting and soil prep gives your agave the best foundation right from the start.
How to Care for Green and Yellow Agave Plants
Variegated agaves are pretty adaptable once established. Here’s how to keep them looking their best:
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Water 1-2 times per month. Let the soil dry between waterings. Overwatering leads to rot.
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Use fast-draining soil. Good drainage is key! Agaves hate soggy roots. Add gravel or sand to improve drainage in clay soils.
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Fertilize 1-2 times per year. Use a balanced fertilizer in spring and summer. Avoid high nitrogen feeds that cause floppy growth.
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Prune pups in spring. Remove offsets around the base to control spread. The mother plant will eventually die after flowering.
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Bring indoors in cold zones. Many agaves only tolerate temps above 15°F. Move potted plants inside in winter or protect with mulch.
With their drought-loving nature, variegated agaves are easy-care additions to gardens and containers.
How to Design With Green and Yellow Agaves
The bold colors and striking shapes of variegated agave plants lend themselves to all sorts of creative garden uses:
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Accent for boulders or hardscaping – Situate against rocks, walls, sidewalks, or steps for color contrast.
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Pool or patio plantings – Add texture and interest to outdoor living areas.
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Borders and beds – Underplant with lower-growing succulents like sedums.
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Containers – Let the sculptural forms shine by isolating in pots, bowls, and planters.
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Rock gardens – Mix agave shapes and textures for visual interest.
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Xeriscapes and dry gardens – Combine with yuccas, cacti, and other drought-tolerant plants.
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Focal points – Draw the eye with strategically-placed specimen plants.
With their vibrant banded foliage, variegated agaves infuse gardens with striking southwestern style.
Common Problems With Green and Yellow Agaves
While generally tough, agaves can encounter a few issues:
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Rot – Caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Improve soil drainage and cut back on water.
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Etioalated growth – Leggy, faded growth results from too little sun. Move plant to a sunnier location.
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Pests – Aphids, mealybugs and spider mites may appear. Remove with strong spray of water or treat with insecticidal soap.
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Frost damage – Leaves blacken and turn mushy after freezing. Cut away damaged leaves. Protect plants by overwintering indoors.
Catch problems early by following proper care practices. Healthy agaves are quite resilient plants.
Fantastic Green and Yellow Agaves for Gardens
Looking for a low-maintenance succulent that packs visual punch? You can’t go wrong with green and yellow agaves. Their vibrant striped foliage and striking forms bring striking colors and textures to gardens and containers.
With minimal care needs, excellent heat and drought tolerance, and long-lived permanence, these desert beauties offer fantastic ornamental appeal. Their sculptural presence makes an exotic statement whether planted solo or combined in colorful succulent gardens.
Agave americana var. Protamericana
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 7,8,9,10,11
- Blooming Period: Once in a lifetime
- Mature Size: 6 ft. tall, 10 ft. wide
- Flower Color: Yellow, Green
The Agave americana var. protamericana, is another stunning variant of the iconic Century Plant, boasting an impressive presence in any landscape. Its robust, symmetrical rosettes of thick, fleshy leaves have a vibrant blue-green color and red-brown margins. This variety really stands out because its flower stalks are so tall—often 15 to 20 feet—and covered in bright yellow flowers that attract pollinators and add a dramatic pop of color. The plants massive size, architectural shape, and striking foliage make it a popular choice for adding a touch of desert drama to gardens and landscapes. Its statuesque presence and rare, spectacular blooms have captivated people for centuries, earning its place as a timeless and coveted addition to any outdoor space.
Pests & Problems: How to Identify and Fix Issues with Various Types of Agave Americana Plants
Agave century plants are susceptible to pest infestations such as agave snout weevils and agave mites. Look for signs of wilting, discoloration, or chewed leaves to identify a potential pest problem. If pests are present, consider using insecticidal soap or neem oil to control infestation and prevent further damage to your plant.
- Aphids are small, soft-bodied bugs that feed on plant sap and cause leaves to curl or become distorted. Aphids can also transmit plant viruses. Check for aphids on the undersides of leaves and stems. Control by spraying with water or insecticidal soap.
- Mealybugs are white, cottony bugs that eat plant sap and produce yellowing leaves and stunted growth. Mealybugs secrete a sticky substance called honeydew, attracting ants. Separate plants that have bugs and treat them with soap or neem oil that kills bugs.
- Scale insects are small, armored bugs that eat plant sap and stunt growth by turning leaves yellow. Scale insects can also secrete honeydew, attracting ants. Look for scales on the stems and leaves and get rid of them by scraping them off or using insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites are tiny insects that look like spiders and feed on plant sap, turning leaves yellow or brown.
Spider mites thrive in hot, dry conditions. Control by spraying with water or insecticidal soap.
- Snails and slugs are slimy, thin pests that eat holes in leaves at night. Snails and slugs thrive in moist environments. Pick them off by hand, put up barriers made of copper tape, or trap them with beer.
- Too much water: Roots can rot from too much water, which makes leaves soft and mushy and kills the plant. Check soil moisture by sticking your finger in it. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Not giving plants enough water: If plants don’t get enough water, leaves can get burned or wrinkled. Water thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain. Increase frequency during hot, dry spells.
- Frost damage: The leaves of the agave americana can become soft, mushy, or discolored when it freezes. Use blankets to protect plants from frost or bring potted plants inside.
Watch This Before You Buy Agave Plants! PS: I have a Favorite 🙂
FAQ
What is the yellow and green agave plant?
Agave Americana Variegata. The Variegated Century Plant is a special type of Agave americana that will make your yard look better. It has striking blue-green leaves with bright yellow stripes.
What is the drug agave used for?
In traditional medicine, Agave species have been used to treat wounds, sores, trauma, fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, snake bites [8,9], syphilis, …Aug 25, 2022.
Do agave plants like full sun or shade?
Agave plants thrive with full sun exposure or partial shade. If you grow your Agave indoors, be sure to place the succulent in a bright, sunny spot. The best windows for Agaves are west- or south-facing. Agaves usually need 6 hours of light.
How do you care for green glow agave?
An easy care, drought tolerant plant that is great in landscapes and containers or can adapt as a houseplant. Provide a well drained soil away from reflected heat. Once established, water infrequently during the hot season. Be careful when handling this plant!.
What color are agave leaves?
The Agave americana leaves are blue-green in color, and they reach up to 6 feet long. The common ‘Yellow Ribbons’ variety is green with yellow stripes. At maturity, it produces a flowering stalk that can reach up to 15 feet tall with yellow-green flowers. This is the most commonly known agave, also bearing the name ‘century plant’.
What does Agave Americana look like?
This a large perennial plant, with long, sharp leaves. The Agave americana leaves are blue-green in color, and they reach up to 6 feet long. The common ‘Yellow Ribbons’ variety is green with yellow stripes. At maturity, it produces a flowering stalk that can reach up to 15 feet tall with yellow-green flowers.
Do agave leaves turn yellow?
Agave plants are generally easy to care for, but yellow leaves can still occur. Preventing yellowing leaves involves maintaining suitable environmental conditions, using well-draining soil, and being vigilant about pests and diseases.
How tall do agave flowers grow?
This plant has green-yellow flowers that can grow up to 8 cm long and are grouped together. These flowers grow on a large stem that reaches heights much taller than the actual plant.
Are agave plants cold tolerant?
One of the most cold-tolerant Agave species, this gorgeous plant grows at elevations up to 9,000 feet in the montane wilds of Mexico. It gets pretty big—4 feet tall and 5 feet wide—and looks like a huge artichoke! The leaves are bud-printed, which means that the teeth of the leaves next to them are pressed into the leaves around them.
What does Agave attenuata look like?
A yellow variegated form of Agave attenuata. However, it is a much slower grower than the non-variegated version. This is pretty typical for most variegated plants. It also seems a bit more tender to cold and heat than the non-variegated forms. Wide pale green leaves are pliable with yellow stripes near the margins.