Agave Kissho Kan (Butterfly Agave)

A magnificent Japanese selection, Agave ‘Kissho Kan’ is an evergreen, perennial succulent forming a perfectly symmetrical rosette of thick, rigid, soft silver-blue to blue-green leaves. The foliage is adorned with creamy white toothed margins and leaf spines, which emerge yellow, change to pale brown before turning dark reddish-brown.

A magnificent Japanese selection, Agave 'Kissho Kan' is an evergreen, perennial succulent forming a perfectly symmetrical rosette of thick, rigid, soft silver-blue to blue-green leaves. The foliage is adorned with creamy white toothed margins and leaf spines, which emerge yellow, change to pale brown before turning dark reddish-brown. Quite compact, ‘Kissho Kan’ is a terrific addition to pots or containers. Mature plants produce offshoots that can be rooted and propagated easily.

  • Grows up to 12-15 in. tall (30-37 cm) and 18 in. wide (45 cm).
  • Easily grown in sandy or gravelly, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates part shade, particularly in hot desert gardens where some shade will prevent scorching of the foliage. Drought tolerant.
  • Great for rock gardens and ideal in decorative containers.
  • Plant away from foot traffic: the needle-sharp spines on the leaf tips can be a hazard to humans and pets. Don't plant this Agave near paths or walkways
  • Attracts hummingbirds and birds but is deer resistant
  • Virtually disease free. Watch for scale insects.
  • Propagate by offsets
  • Use caution, safety glasses, long sleeves, long pants, well covered shoes, and gloves when cutting this plant.

Requirements

Hardiness 9
– 11

Heat Zones 9
– 12

Climate Zones 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Cactus – Succulents
Plant Family Agave
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 36″ (90cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Birds, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden