Agave 'Sho-Time' (A. ovatifolia × victoriae-reginae)
BeginnerAgave ovatifolia × victoriae-reginae 'Sho-Time'
A cross of Agave ovatifolia and A. victoriae-reginae. Thick, ovate leaves carry crisp white bud imprints that differ on every plant, and it inherits cold tolerance from ovatifolia.
About
Sho-Time is a hybrid of Agave ovatifolia (whale's tongue agave) and A. victoriae-reginae. According to US nurseries, it is a clone selected from a cross by US breeder Jeremy Spath, first seen by one nursery in 2017 and released once enough stock had been built up. From ovatifolia it takes cold tolerance and a broad, open rosette; from victoriae-reginae, fine white markings and a tighter leaf structure. The thick, ovate leaves carry crisp white bud imprints, the impressions left by neighbouring leaves as they unfold, and the pattern differs on every plant. The spines are dark and striking. It grows slowly; one record gives about 60-90 cm across at maturity, another a plant about 60 cm tall and 120 cm wide. It differs from ovatifolia cultivars by its white markings and tighter habit inherited from the Queen Victoria agave. In Japan it is sold by specialist nurseries and online shops as a cold-tolerant cultivar.
Size of the Agave 'Sho-Time' (A. ovatifolia × victoriae-reginae)
The Agave 'Sho-Time' (A. ovatifolia × victoriae-reginae) grows to Records range from about 60-90 cm across to about 60 cm tall by 120 cm wide.
Basic Info
Origin
Hybrid raised in the USA (both parents are from north-eastern Mexico)
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
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 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.
Agave 'Sho-Time' (A. ovatifolia × victoriae-reginae) FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Agave 'Sho-Time' (A. ovatifolia × victoriae-reginae)?
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 'Sho-Time' (A. ovatifolia × victoriae-reginae) get?
The mature size of Agave 'Sho-Time' (A. ovatifolia × victoriae-reginae) is Records range from about 60-90 cm across to about 60 cm tall by 120 cm wide. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Agave 'Sho-Time' (A. ovatifolia × victoriae-reginae)?
Agave 'Sho-Time' (A. ovatifolia × victoriae-reginae): 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 'Sho-Time' (A. ovatifolia × victoriae-reginae)?
The price of Agave 'Sho-Time' (A. ovatifolia × victoriae-reginae) 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 victoriae-reginae: Appendix II
- Ministry of the Environment, list of Invasive Alien Species (no Agave listed)
- MAFF plant variety registration database (no registered Agave varieties)
- Rancho Tissue Technologies: Agave ovatifolia × victoriae-reginae 'Sho-Time'
- Plant Delights Nursery: Agave × victorifolia 'Sho-Time'
- GBIF（親 A. ovatifolia）
- GBIF（親 A. victoriae-reginae）
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Agave ovatifolia × victoriae-reginae 'Sho-Time'
Authority databases: GBIF（親 A. ovatifolia） · GBIF（親 A. victoriae-reginae）
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
One parent, Agave victoriae-reginae, is listed in CITES Appendix II, and under CITES plant hybrids with a listed parent are generally covered too, so this hybrid is treated as Appendix II. Import and export require CITES permits, but no registration or notification is needed to buy, sell or give plants within Japan. It is 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 victoriae-reginae: Appendix II / 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 'Sho-Time' (A. ovatifolia × victoriae-reginae) 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)
Find listings for this species
Related Articles
Preventing Leaf Burn in Agave and Light Management | Transition Strategy from Indoor to Outdoor Cultivation
Light management strategy to prevent agave leaf burn completely while successfully transitioning from indoor to outdoor environments. This article explains practical methods including gradual light intensity adjustment, seasonal placement changes, and UV protection measures.
Tips for Cultivating White Variegated Agave Varieties
Tips for Cultivating White Variegated Agave Varieties
Complete Care Guide for Agave oteroi | Tips for Training Beautiful Large Rosettes
We explain the characteristics and cultivation of Agave oteroi, a large agave native to Oaxaca, Mexico. From placement location and soil to watering and overwintering—a practical guide for those beginning to cultivate this species.
The Deep Connection Between Agave and Tequila | The Secret of a Distilled Spirit Born from Century Plant
Tequila is made from only Agave tequilana among the Agave genus. This essay explains the ecology of century plants, the Jalisco region as a production area, and the differences from ornamental agaves.
🩺 Common diseases
Can't find the plant you're looking for?
Post your wishes for free and growers with matching plants will contact you with introductions.