Source: Wikimedia Commons
Agave angustifolia 'Marginata'
BeginnerAgave angustifolia 'Marginata'
A variegated narrow-leaf agave: stiff grey-green leaves edged in bold creamy white, sometimes flushed pink, forming a neat, almost spherical rosette.
About
Hakusenko is the Japanese trade name for Agave angustifolia 'Marginata', the white-edged form of a species that ranges widely from Central America through Mexico. A US grower describes stiff, narrow leaves about 60 cm long and 5-10 cm wide, slightly concave in the middle, with a pale green centre and strong creamy-white margins that often take a pink flush. The rosette is rounded, reaching about 120 cm tall and wide, and a short trunk appears with age. The variegated form reportedly arose around 1895 in the botanical garden of the College of Science at Poona, India, and has since spread across the subtropics. It can be told from yellow-edged americana forms by its narrower leaves and ball-like rosette; a paler sport is sold separately as 'Woodrowii'. It does not flower for at least ten years; bulbils form on the flower stalk and plants raised from them vary in how much variegation they carry. In Japan it is widely sold as Hakusenko, from small pots to very large specimens.
Size of the Agave angustifolia 'Marginata'
The Agave angustifolia 'Marginata' grows to About 120 cm tall and wide (leaves about 60 cm long).
Basic Info
Origin
Cultivar (the species ranges from Costa Rica to north-western Mexico)
Lifespan
Takes ten years or more to flower; afterwards it is renewed by offsets and bulbils
Size
About 120 cm tall and wide (leaves about 60 cm long)
Temperature
5〜40℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Light feeder; a little slow-release fertiliser in the growing season is enough
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Full sun to light shade; also used in coastal plantings.
Watering
Drought tolerant. In pots, water once the mix is dry and cut back in winter.
Temperature & Winter
A US grower rates it to about -7°C. Where frosts are hard, grow it in a pot and bring it under cover in winter.
Soil & Repotting
Use a free-draining mix. Offsets and bulbils after flowering can be grown on, but bulbil plants vary in variegation.
Pests & Cautions
Less fierce than the big species, but the tips are still sharp. The sap can irritate skin; wear gloves.
Agave angustifolia 'Marginata' FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Agave angustifolia 'Marginata'?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow large does Agave angustifolia 'Marginata' get?
The mature size of Agave angustifolia 'Marginata' is About 120 cm tall and wide (leaves about 60 cm long). This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Agave angustifolia 'Marginata'?
Agave angustifolia 'Marginata': watering & fertilizer — Light feeder; a little slow-release fertiliser in the growing season is enough. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Agave angustifolia 'Marginata'?
The price of Agave angustifolia 'Marginata' varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Primary sources
- Species+ (CITES) query for Agave angustifolia: not listed
- Ministry of the Environment, list of Invasive Alien Species (no Agave listed)
- MAFF plant variety registration database (no registered Agave varieties)
- San Marcos Growers: Agave angustifolia 'Marginata'
- PUKUBOOK succulent encyclopedia: 白閃光
- GBIF
- POWO
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices, and not designated as an Invasive Alien Species or Uncategorized Alien Species under Japanese law. It is not a registered variety under Japan's Plant Variety Protection and Seed Act (no Agave varieties were registered as of September 2026).
Sources: Species+ (CITES) query for Agave angustifolia: not listed / Ministry of the Environment, list of Invasive Alien Species (no Agave listed) / MAFF plant variety registration database (no registered Agave varieties)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Agave angustifolia 'Marginata' Listings
![Kodama-hime Sasanoyuki [Small] Rare High-Quality Specimen - Direct from Agave Grower | 五本幸二 Nursery](https://img.botachoku.com/listings/bd75d031-53ca-4369-b7e2-884bdb80f54f/c9a39afe-50e5-4e00-89d6-03b4060e4699_thumb.webp)
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