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Agave angustifolia ‘Marginata’ – Variegated Caribbean Agave

Agave angustifolia ‘Marginata’ – Variegated Caribbean Agave

Narrow blue-green foliage with bright creamy-yellow margins provides year-round colour and architectural structure.

Regular price $510.00
Sale price $510.00 Regular price
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Pot size
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Size: 40cm/45L
Current height guide
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Pot size
40cm/45L

Approximate only. Minimum height important? Confirm with us.

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Quantity

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Size / batchEachQuantity
30cm/33cmApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$230.00
40cm/45LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$510.00

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

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    About Agave angustifolia ‘Marginata’

    Agave angustifolia ‘Marginata’, the Variegated Caribbean Agave, is a smaller upright succulent with narrow blue-green leaves edged in creamy yellow. The leaves are stiff and held at a steep angle, giving a spiky starburst rather than the low spreading rosette of the larger agaves. Each leaf ends in a hard point.

    It needs full sun and gritty, free-draining soil. Warm coastal and subtropical districts from Brisbane to Sydney and across to Perth suit it best. It is the most cold sensitive of the common agaves, taking light frost once established, but hard or repeated frosts damage the foliage, so give it a protected spot in cooler areas.

    A mature clump reaches roughly 1 to 1.2 metres high and 1 to 1.5 metres wide, and it offsets steadily into a colony. Use it in raised planters, poolside beds, coastal gardens, rockeries and pots. The compact size and bright edges make it useful in small courtyards where a Century Plant would be far too large.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Agave angustifolia ‘Marginata’

    What is Agave angustifolia ‘Marginata’?

    The Variegated Caribbean Agave is a compact succulent with narrow, stiff blue-green leaves edged in creamy yellow and held at a steep upright angle in a starburst rosette. Each leaf ends in a hard point. It comes from Central America and is closely related to the agaves grown commercially for tequila and mezcal.

    How big does the Variegated Caribbean Agave grow?

    A single rosette reaches about 1 to 1.2 metres high and 1 to 1.5 metres wide, and it offsets steadily to form a wider clump. That modest size makes it one of the more usable variegated agaves for courtyards, raised beds and containers, where the larger Century Plants are simply impractical.

    Is Agave angustifolia frost tolerant?

    Less so than most agaves. It handles light frost once established, but hard or repeated frosts will scorch the foliage and can kill young plants, so treat it as frost sensitive in cool districts. Warm coastal and subtropical gardens suit it best, and elsewhere it is worth siting under eaves or growing in a movable pot.

    Is it suitable for coastal positions?

    Yes, it is well adapted to the coast and tolerates salt wind, sandy soil and reflected heat. The sharp drainage of coastal sand suits it, and it needs no irrigation once established. Avoid low-lying spots where water sits after storms, since standing moisture around the crown causes most losses in this species.

    Can it be grown in pots?

    Yes. The upright habit and modest size make it a natural container plant for balconies, entries and poolside terraces. Use a gritty succulent mix and a pot with clear drainage holes, and water only when the mix has dried through. Being in a pot also lets you shift it under shelter during a cold or very wet spell.

    When does the Variegated Caribbean Agave flower?

    Flowering happens once, usually in summer, after roughly eight to twenty years, on a tall spike carrying yellow flowers. The parent rosette dies afterwards, which is normal for the genus. Because this species offsets so freely, the clump continues without interruption and the spent rosette can be cut out at ground level.

    How do I care for Agave angustifolia ‘Marginata’?

    Plant in full sun in free-draining soil, water occasionally through the first summer, then leave it to the weather. Feed only in pots, with a diluted succulent fertiliser once a year. Remove spent lower leaves and thin the offsets when the clump crowds itself. Wear gloves, because the leaf tips are genuinely sharp.

    Foliage

    Evergreen (foliage year round)

    Position
    • Full Sun
    Form
    • Upright
    Use
    • Feature Tree
    • Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots
    • Underplanting
    Mature height
    80cm to 1.2m
    Mature width
    1m to 1.5m

    Planting Information

    How To Plant Your Agave angustifolia ‘Marginata’ – Variegated Caribbean Agave

    Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

    Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

    Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

    Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

    Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Agave angustifolia ‘Marginata’ – Variegated Caribbean Agave

    Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

    Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

    Agave angustifolia ‘Marginata’ – Variegated Caribbean Agave is expected to grow 20cm to 40cm per year under suitable conditions.

    • Medium Growth Rate

    Long Term Care For Your Agave angustifolia ‘Marginata’ – Variegated Caribbean Agave

    Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, reduce to once weekly in dry periods. Mulch helps maintain consistent moisture.

    Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

    Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Light tip prune in late winter to maintain shape if used as hedging or screening. For a clear trunk feature, remove lower branches as the tree grows.

    Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

    Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional scale or caterpillar inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

    Planting Your Agave angustifolia ‘Marginata’ – Variegated Caribbean Agave in Different Soil

    Agave angustifolia performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is improved with organic matter.

    Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch well to maintain consistent moisture.

    Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost before planting.

    Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

    pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter to maintain levels naturally.

    Uses in my Garden

    Uses in my Garden

    • Feature Tree
    • Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots
    • Underplanting

    Agave angustifolia ‘Marginata’ – Variegated Caribbean Agave works in an:

    • Contemporary / Architectural Garden – striking forms for bold design statements.
    • Coastal Garden – relaxed, seaside feel with hardy, textural plants.
    • Mediterranean Style Garden – timeless courtyard look with stone, pots, and bold greenery.

    Is Agave angustifolia ‘Marginata’ – Variegated Caribbean Agave Evergreen or Deciduous?

    Agave angustifolia ‘Marginata’ – Variegated Caribbean Agave is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

    Mature Height & Width

    Mature Height: 80cm to 1.2m

    Mature Width: 1m to 1.5m

    Agave angustifolia ‘Marginata’ – Variegated Caribbean Agave is expected to grow 20cm to 40cm per year under suitable conditions.

    Growth Rate of Agave angustifolia ‘Marginata’ – Variegated Caribbean Agave

    Agave angustifolia ‘Marginata’ – Variegated Caribbean Agave is expected to grow 20cm to 40cm per year under suitable conditions.

    They are considered to have a:

    • Medium Growth Rate

    Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Agave angustifolia ‘Marginata’ – Variegated Caribbean Agave

    Is Agave angustifolia ‘Marginata’ – Variegated Caribbean Agave frost tolerant?

    Agave angustifolia ‘Marginata’ – Variegated Caribbean Agave is Frost Sensitive – May suffer damage from frost, best in frost-free or protected spots.

    Does Agave angustifolia ‘Marginata’ – Variegated Caribbean Agave Flower?

    Agave angustifolia ‘Marginata’ produces tall flowering spikes bearing clusters of greenish-yellow flowers on mature plants. Flowering typically occurs only after many years of growth and creates a dramatic architectural display, although the plant is primarily valued for its narrow blue-green foliage highlighted by creamy-yellow variegated margins.

    Does Agave angustifolia ‘Marginata’ – Variegated Caribbean Agave flower?

    • Yes - Flowers

    Flowering Period:

    • Summer

    Flower Type:

    • Not Applicable

    Flower Colour:

    Yellow

    Is Agave angustifolia ‘Marginata’ – Variegated Caribbean Agave an Australian Native Tree?

    No

    Agave angustifolia ‘Marginata’ – Variegated Caribbean Agave is Native to Cultivar selection of Agave angustifolia, a species native to Mexico and Central America.

    What is the Wildlife Value of Agave angustifolia ‘Marginata’ – Variegated Caribbean Agave ?

    Its mature flower spikes provide a valuable nectar source for bees and other beneficial pollinators when in bloom, supporting biodiversity within dry-climate and ornamental landscapes. The dense rosette structure can also provide sheltered microhabitats for beneficial insects within garden settings.

    How much Sunlight does Agave angustifolia ‘Marginata’ – Variegated Caribbean Agave need?

    Agave angustifolia ‘Marginata’ – Variegated Caribbean Agave will thrive best in:

    • Full Sun

    Preferred Soil?

    Agave angustifolia ‘Marginata’ performs best in free-draining sandy or loam soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. It will also tolerate poor soils, rocky sites and coastal conditions provided drainage remains excellent. Avoid heavy clay or persistently wet conditions, as excess moisture can lead to root and crown problems. Allow the soil to dry thoroughly between watering once established to maintain healthy growth, foliage colour and long-term vigour.

    Is Agave angustifolia ‘Marginata’ – Variegated Caribbean Agave Drought Tolerant?

    Is Agave angustifolia ‘Marginata’ – Variegated Caribbean Agave Drought tolerant?

    As a young plant it benefits from occasional watering to establish a healthy root system, particularly during extended dry periods. Once established, Agave angustifolia ‘Marginata’ shows excellent drought tolerance and performs reliably through prolonged dry conditions with minimal supplementary watering.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: How is Agave angustifolia ‘Marginata’ different from Agave americana ‘Marginata’?
    A: It has narrower, more refined foliage and a smaller overall size, making it suitable for more compact spaces.

    Q: Is it drought tolerant?
    A: Yes, once established it performs exceptionally well with minimal watering.

    Q: Can it be grown in pots?
    A: Yes, it is highly suited to large decorative containers.

    Q: Is it suitable for coastal gardens?
    A: Yes, it tolerates coastal conditions and salt-laden air very well.

    Compare sizes side by side

    30cm/33cm

    Enquire for current heights

    40cm/45L

    Enquire for current heights

    Heights are approximate and vary between individual trees.

    Agave angustifolia ‘Marginata’ is loved for its Narrow blue-green foliage with bright creamy-yellow margins provides year-round colour and architectural structure.

    We take pride in supplying A+ grade advanced trees. When stock at our farm is not yet ready, we work with our trusted trade suppliers to source the best available trees for your garden.

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