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| Category: Succulent |
| Family: Agavaceae (now Asparagaceae) |
| Origin: Mexico (North America) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Variegated Foliage: Yes |
| Flower Color: Yellow |
| Bloomtime: Infrequent |
| Synonyms: [A. 'Kichijokan Marginata' A. 'Kissho Kan'] |
| Height: <1 foot |
| Width: 1-2 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Summer Dry: Yes |
| Deer Tolerant: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F |
| May be Poisonous (More Info): Yes |
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Agave potatorum 'Kichiokan Marginata' (Dwarf Variegated Butterfly Agave) - This is a small growing agave to 12 inches tall by 18 inches wide with short gray leaves margined with pale yellow streaks and red spines. This selection is thought to be a Japanese cultivar of Agave potatorum and is very slow growing and highly sought after. Grow in bright light to bring out the variegation but not full sun in hot climates as this will burn the variegated parts of the leaves. Mature plants have a hemispherical shape with upcurving leaves with yellow to pale green variegation along the margins and red spines. Little irrigation is required in coastal gardens, but it is best to provide some supplemental irrigation in hotter inland gardens. It is cold hardy to at least 25 degrees. Agave potatorum comes from the semi-arid highlands, in altitudes between 4,000 and 7,000 feet in Puebla and Oaxaca , and as a result, the species is quite variable in form. This cultivar resembles a diminutive form of this species but since unlike the solitary Agave potatorum, this cultivar clusters, leading some to think it a cultivar of Agave parryi or A. isthmensis - whatever its parentage, it sure is pretty. There has also been considerable debate by succulent enthusiasts and nurserymen over the correct translation and spelling of the cultivar name. We continue to list this plant as we received it, under the name 'Kichiokan Marginata', but we have been told that it should be spelled 'Kicchiokan' and Tony Avent of Plant Delights Nursery has researched this and believes it should be 'Kissho Kan', which he says translates to "lucky crown" or "happy crown" - this name seems to be what has been adopted by most growers of this plant in the US.
The information about Agave potatorum 'Kichiokan Marginata' displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant. |
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