About

Agave 'Snow Leopard' is an evergreen perennial that forms a rosette, reaching approximately 45 cm in height. Its elongated, arching leaves are fleshy and variegated, displaying deep green hues accented by creamy-white edges featuring distinctive leopard-like spots that intensify in bright sunlight. When mature, this species can send up tall spikes adorned with subtly fragrant green flowers. Resilient to pollution, it adds a structural element to rock gardens while requiring minimal upkeep.

About the genus

Agave consists of either perennial or monocarpic succulents that develop rosettes of typically stiff, thick, spiny leaves. The plants produce funnel-shaped flowers in racemes or panicles that often exceed the height of the rosettes.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H2

Plant details

Plant type
Cactus Succulent
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
0.5-1 metres
Spread
0.5-1 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years
Suggested uses
Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Fragrance
Flower
Toxicity
Skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats): harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow under glass in cactus compost in full light. Water freely in summer, giving a low-nitrogen feed three or four times. Water less in autumn and keep dry in winter. Can be planted in a patio pot in a sunny position but will need to be over-wintered indoors. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further advice
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown under glass in spring, or by offsets if produced in spring or summer
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to scale insects
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free