Agave 'Butterfingers'

Plant Type: Succulent / Agave
Plant Height: 4–6 feet
Spread: 6–8 feet
Flower Color: Yellow
Sun Exposure: Full sun, Partial Shade

Butterfingers Agave: Bold, Variegated Showpiece for Arizona Landscapes
Butterfingers Agave (Agave salmiana variegated) is a stunning, large-scale agave with thick, arching leaves accented by rich golden-yellow margins. Known for its dramatic presence and brilliant color contrast, this variety brings instant impact to Arizona landscapes. Strong, sculptural, and resilient, Butterfingers thrives in full sun and heat while requiring minimal maintenance once established — the perfect balance of elegance and desert durability.

Key Features of Butterfingers Agave

• Vibrant Variegation: Broad, glossy green leaves edged with bright golden-yellow stripes for striking visual appeal.
• Massive, Architectural Form: Creates a bold focal point, growing up to 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide.
• Heat and Drought Tolerant: Performs beautifully in Arizona’s full sun with minimal supplemental water once established.
• Low Maintenance: Long-lived and hardy, maintaining form and color with very little care.
• High Visual Impact: Excellent for large open landscapes, entryways, or modern designs requiring scale and color.

Growing and Care Tips
Soil: Prefers well-draining soil such as sandy loam or decomposed granite. Avoid heavy, compacted soil or areas with standing water.
Water: Deeply water after planting and continue 2–3 times per week for the first month. Once established, water every 3–4 weeks or only when soil is fully dry.
Fertilizer: Rarely needed. Apply a diluted cactus fertilizer once per year in spring if desired.
Temperature: Hardy to about 20°F once mature. Protect younger plants from frost.
Maintenance: Remove lower, dried leaves as needed. Avoid overhead watering or standing water in the rosette to prevent rot.

Landscaping Uses

• Signature Focal Point: Ideal for large garden beds, entryways, and desert estates.
• Modern and Tropical Designs: Pairs beautifully with palms, yuccas, and ornamental grasses.
• Container or Raised Planters: Makes a dramatic statement in oversized decorative pots.
• Low-Water Landscapes: Perfect for xeriscapes and sustainable designs requiring minimal irrigation.

Summary
Butterfingers Agave (Agave salmiana variegated) is a powerful statement plant that combines bold size, glowing golden margins, and effortless resilience. Perfectly suited for Arizona’s intense sun and heat, it brings year-round structure and color to large desert or modern landscapes. With its grand presence and low-maintenance nature, this agave defines luxury desert design.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow):
Butterfingers Agave Planting Guide:
Location: Full sun to partial shade (6–8 hours of sunlight daily)
Soil: Well-draining, sandy or rocky soil
Spacing: 6–8 feet apart to allow for mature spread
Planting Depth: Keep root ball level with surrounding soil
Support: No staking required; ensure firm root contact

Watering Guide:
Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball. Continue watering every 3–4 days for the first month, allowing deep soakings to help roots establish firmly.

When is the Plant Established? Butterfingers Agave is typically established after 4–6 months, when new growth appears and the plant is firmly anchored.

Watering Once Established: Water deeply every 3–4 weeks during summer. In winter, water only when the soil is completely dry.

Drip Irrigation Setup: Place emitters 10–12 inches from the base, circling the root zone. Use low-flow emitters (0.5–1 gallon per hour) and adjust watering frequency seasonally — more in summer, less in cooler months.

General Watering Tips: Allow the top few inches of soil to dry completely before watering again. Avoid overhead watering and keep the rosette dry. A decorative layer of gravel or decomposed granite around the base improves drainage and enhances the agave’s golden variegation and sculptural beauty.