Quadricolor Agave
Agave lophantha 'Quadricolor'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Cactus Succulent
Height
15 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
8, 9
Water
Low
Humidity
Low
Lifespan
Decades
Native To
Mexico
Toxicity
Sap may cause skin irritation; spiny
The Story
Plant Bio
Agave lophantha 'Quadricolor' is known for its striking foliage, featuring vibrant green and creamy white variegation with a hint of pinkish-red edges, making it a popular ornamental plant. This cultivar is unique for its compact size and colorful foliage, which adds a decorative touch to gardens and landscapes.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a well-draining sandy or gravelly soil for planting.
- Tuck seeds or offsets into soil, ensuring they are partially buried.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain slight moisture during rooting.
- Allow 6 weeks for roots to develop before watering deeply.
- Position in full sun for optimal growth and color vibrancy.
- Water sparingly, letting soil dry out completely between watering.
Pro Tip
Use a cactus mix or add sand to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide full sun exposure for vibrant color 🌞
- Use well-draining soil to prevent overwatering
- Water sparingly during active growth periods
- Protect from frost in colder zones
- Apply a cactus-specific fertilizer during spring
Don't
- Avoid overwatering; agaves are drought-tolerant ❌
- Do not plant in heavy clay soil without amendment
- Refrain from excessive fertilization
- Never expose to frost without protection in cooler zones
- Avoid shady locations; they need full sun
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Quadricolor Agave questions
What zones can Quadricolor Agave grow in?
Quadricolor Agave is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Quadricolor Agave deer resistant?
Yes — Quadricolor Agave is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Quadricolor Agave bloom?
Quadricolor Agave typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Quadricolor Agave need full sun?
Quadricolor Agave does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Quadricolor Agave drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Quadricolor Agave handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Agave to compare
Utah Agave Kaibabensis
Agave utahensis 'kaibabensis'
Toumey's Agave
Agave toumeyana
Slimfoot Century Plant
Agave x gracilipes
McKelvey's Agave
Agave mckelveyana
Frosty Blue Whale's Tongue Agave
Agave ovatifolia 'Frosty Blue'
Artichoke Agave
Agave parryi 'truncata'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Quadricolor Agave with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
