Variegated Fox Tail Agave

This variegated form of Agave attenuata makes a sculptural evergreen rosette of broad, soft leaves marked with irregular yellow or chartreuse stripes. Its relaxed, spineless foliage gives it a different character from the stiff, sharp-tipped century plants often associated with the genus. Use it as a focal succulent in a warm-climate border or a large container. ## Garden Character The leaves arch from a thickening stem and may form offsets around the original rosette. Mature plants can produce a tall, curved flower stalk with pale yellow flowers in summer. Size varies by growing conditions and whether offsets are retained. The [RHS profile for Agave attenuata](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/670/agave-attenuata/details) lists 1–1.5 m tall and 1.5–2.5 m wide; the current catalog dimensions fall within those species-level ranges. A cultivar-specific plant profile gives a smaller 3–4 ft by 4–5 ft range, so allow ample space rather than treating one figure as exact. ## Growing Conditions Give it full sun or partial shade and very free-draining, gritty or sandy soil. It is frost tender and best suited to USDA zones 9–11; in colder climates, grow it in a movable container and protect it from freezing. Let the soil dry between watering, especially in cool weather. See the [University of Arizona Campus Arboretum profile](https://apps.cals.arizona.edu/arboretum/taxon.aspx?id=1163), [RHS genus guide](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/agave?type=0), and [Agave attenuata ‘Variegata’ profile](https://plantlust.com/plants/6085/agave-attenuata-variegata/). ## Maintenance Remove offsets only when you need to limit the clump or propagate it. No routine pruning is required; wear gloves when handling the plant and avoid placing the mature rosette where its flowering stalk could obstruct a path.