Agave americana 'Opal'

Also Known As

Opal Century Plant

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

H: 3'-5'
W: 4'-5'

planting zones

8a-11

Agave americana 'Opal' plant details

Agave americana 'Opal' is an evergreen cactus / succulent with blue, gold, variegated and white foliage. Features glaucous texture. Grows well with sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in winter. Does well in gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Agave americana 'Opal'

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: agavaceae, asparagaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue, gold, variegated and white
Mature size: 4 FT - 5 FT - wide, 3 FT - 5 FT - tall
Uses: architectural, container plant, desert garden, rock garden, rosette-forming, spiky, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Agave americana 'Opal'

USDA Zones: 8a - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A variegated agave from the larger group often just called Marginata' or 'Variegata,' this one most pleasingly variegated in creamy yellow on upright, blue-green foliage with sharp spines. To 4-5' tall and wide. Shared with us by plantsman Tony Avent as having been hardy in coastal Virginia. hough it has been nuked in North Carolina below 10 °F with winter moisture, it does show promise as being one of the tougher of the americana group as a very similar plant has grown unharmed in Portland gardens for a number of years. We expect at least 15 °F, mid USDA zone 8, and possibly lower if winter dry. In any zone a striking pot or container plant. Sun, well-drained soil, and little summer water.