Agave univittata 'Quadricolor' (Goshiki Bandai)

Goshiki Bandai is a variegated cultivar of Agave univittata (lophantha), a species of coastal southern Texas and north-eastern Mexico, known abroad as 'Quadricolor'. The parent has long been called A. lophantha, but the Flora of North America treats the older name A. univittata as correct. A US grower describes rosettes about 30-45 cm tall and 60 cm wide, with dark green leaves 15-30 cm long edged yellow and striped pale green down the centre. New teeth emerge red and fade toward the yellow of the margin, and in bright light the margins flush red in winter, giving four colours as the name suggests. It produces many offsets, and removing some now and then keeps the plant neat. The similar variegated 'Splendida' has mainly a central stripe. A long-established cultivar, in Japan it is sold mainly by specialist nurseries and at plant events.

The Agave univittata 'Quadricolor' (Goshiki Bandai) grows to Rosettes about 30-45 cm tall and 60 cm wide.

It was once thought less hardy than the species, but there are reports of it surviving short lows around -12°C.

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