Agave 'Sho-Time' (A. ovatifolia × victoriae-reginae)

Agave 'Sho-Time' (A. ovatifolia × victoriae-reginae) key facts

Growing Difficulty

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

Perennial; the flowering rosette dies and offsets carry on

Size

Records range from about 60-90 cm across to about 60 cm tall by 120 cm wide

Watering

Light feeder; a little slow-release fertiliser in the growing season is enough

Light & Placement

Full sun to part shade; good light keeps the leaves tight and shows off the markings.

Watering

Drought tolerant; once established it needs little water.

Temperature & Winter

A US producer rates it to about -9°C; winter wet is a bigger threat than cold.

Soil & Repotting

Prefers a well-draining, gritty or sandy mix.

Notes

Because the Queen Victoria parent is CITES Appendix II, import and export need permits; no paperwork is needed for sales within Japan.

About Agave 'Sho-Time' (A. ovatifolia × victoriae-reginae)

Agave 'Sho-Time', a cross of A. ovatifolia and A. victoriae-reginae, has thick oval leaves with unique white markings. Cold-hardy and beginner-friendly to grow.

7 things to know before growing Agave 'Sho-Time' (A. ovatifolia × victoriae-reginae)

1. 1Sun and Airflow

   Agave 'Sho-Time' thrives in full sun and does best outdoors in a bright spot year-round. Its thick leaves tolerate strong light well, but sudden exposure to intense midsummer sun can still cause scorching, so container-grown plants may need repositioning seasonally. Good airflow also helps prevent rot from excess humidity.

2. 2Watering Basics

   Because its succulent leaves store water, let the soil dry out fully before watering again. Growth slows in winter, so cut back on watering frequency to avoid root rot from excess moisture. If grown outdoors and exposed to rain, make sure the pot drains well from the bottom.

3. 3Well-Draining Soil

   This agave prefers a fast-draining succulent or cactus mix. Adding pumice or perlite to a commercial succulent soil improves drainage further and lowers the risk of root rot. For in-ground planting, avoid heavy clay soils or amend them to improve drainage.

4. 4When to Repot

   Spring through autumn, during active growth, is the best time to repot. Move to a slightly larger pot once roots start showing at the drainage holes to prevent the plant from becoming root-bound. Hold off on watering for several days to a week after repotting to let the roots settle and reduce rot risk.

5. 5Cold Hardiness

   Having inherited cold tolerance from its ovatifolia parent, 'Sho-Time' handles outdoor winters more easily than many other agaves. That said, direct frost, snow, or prolonged freezing can still damage the plant, so consider moving it under eaves or indoors, or adding frost protection, depending on your climate.

6. 6Choosing a Plant

   Since the white bud-print markings vary from plant to plant, picking one out is part of the fun — look for leaf patterns and rosette shape you like. Choose a plant with minimal scarring or dark blemishes and a firm base for easier care going forward.

7. 7Renewed by Offsets

   Agave 'Sho-Time' is a perennial, but each rosette flowers only once in its life before dying back. Offsets typically form around the flowering plant, and dividing them lets you keep growing the same clone's characteristics.

Frequently asked questions about Agave 'Sho-Time' (A. ovatifolia × victoriae-reginae)

Q.Is Agave 'Sho-Time' suitable for beginners?

A.Yes, it's generally considered a beginner-friendly agave. It inherits cold tolerance from its ovatifolia parent and grows well outdoors, though well-draining soil and proper watering intervals go a long way toward keeping it healthy.

Q.Can it be planted directly in an outdoor garden?

A.Thanks to the cold tolerance inherited from ovatifolia, it's better suited to in-ground planting outdoors than many other agaves. Poorly draining soil can cause root rot, though, so amend the soil before planting or consider growing it in a container instead.

Q.Do the white leaf markings vary between plants?

A.Yes, the white bud-print patterns on the thick, egg-shaped leaves differ from plant to plant, so no two are quite alike. That individuality is one of the variety's biggest appeals.

Q.What happens to the plant after it flowers?

A.Once Agave 'Sho-Time' flowers, that particular rosette dies back. Offsets usually form around the base of the flowering plant, though, so dividing them lets you keep growing plants with the same characteristics.

Q.How large does it grow?

A.Records vary: some describe mature plants reaching roughly 60-90cm across, while others describe plants around 60cm tall and 120cm wide. Actual size depends on growing conditions, so consider available space whether you plant it in the ground or a container.

Handy Growing Tools for Agave 'Sho-Time' (A. ovatifolia × victoriae-reginae)

Learn more about Agave 'Sho-Time' (A. ovatifolia × victoriae-reginae) in the encyclopedia

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