Agave titanota White Ice

Plant Type: perennial, succulent
Plant Height: 1-2 feet
Spread: 2-3 feet
Flower Color: yellow
Sun Exposure: Full sun, Partial Shade

Agave titanota ‘White Ice’: Sculptural Elegance with Cool-Toned Beauty
Agave titanota ‘White Ice’ is a compact, highly ornamental succulent prized for its frosty blue-white leaves edged with dramatic dark spines. This rare and visually stunning variety offers striking contrast in desert and modern landscapes, combining bold architectural form with exceptional drought tolerance. Perfect for Arizona gardens, it brings a clean, contemporary look that shines in both containers and landscape beds.

Key Features of Agave titanota ‘White Ice’
The thick, powdery blue-white leaves of ‘White Ice’ form a tight rosette with pronounced dark margins and sculpted spines, creating a dramatic interplay of color and texture. Its smaller size makes it an ideal choice for accent plantings, courtyards, or container displays. This variety retains its compact, symmetrical shape throughout its life and produces a tall flower stalk with yellow blooms only once, after which the main rosette naturally completes its cycle and is replaced by basal offsets.

Growing and Care Tips
Agave titanota ‘White Ice’ thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-draining, rocky or sandy soils. It is extremely drought tolerant once established and needs minimal supplemental watering. During its first growing season, provide light, infrequent watering to help the roots establish. Avoid overwatering, as standing moisture can lead to root rot. Fertilizer is rarely needed—only a light feeding in spring with a cactus fertilizer if desired. This plant performs exceptionally well in warm, dry climates and should be protected from hard frost.

Landscaping Uses
‘White Ice’ is a favorite for designers seeking refined structure in small spaces. Its compact growth and icy tones make it perfect for modern and minimalist gardens, rock landscapes, and decorative planters. It pairs beautifully with darker green or red-toned succulents and is a stunning centerpiece surrounded by decorative rock or gravel.

Summary
Agave titanota ‘White Ice’ is a rare gem among agaves, offering cool-toned sophistication and impressive durability. Its sculptural form and low-maintenance nature make it an excellent choice for Arizona homeowners who want lasting visual impact with minimal care.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow):
Agave titanota ‘White Ice’ Planting Guide:
Location: Full sun to partial shade (ideally 6 hours or more of sunlight daily; provide light afternoon shade in very hot areas)
Soil: Well-drained, rocky or sandy soil is essential to prevent water retention and root issues
Spacing: Space plants 2–3 feet apart to allow proper airflow and showcase individual form
Planting Depth: Set the crown just above the soil line to ensure proper drainage and prevent rot
Support: No staking required; naturally compact and sturdy structure

Watering Guide:
Watering After Planting: Water lightly and deeply once after planting to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. During the first 2–3 months, water every 10–14 days depending on temperature and soil conditions.
When is the Plant Established? Agave titanota ‘White Ice’ is considered established after approximately 6 months, when roots have anchored and growth appears consistent.
Watering Once Established: Once established, this variety requires minimal irrigation. In summer, water only once every 3–4 weeks during prolonged dry spells. In winter, watering is rarely necessary.
Drip Irrigation Setup: Place emitters 10–12 inches from the rosette center to avoid saturating the base. Use low-flow emitters (0.5–1 gallon per hour) and ensure soil dries completely between watering cycles. One emitter per plant is sufficient for mature specimens.
General Watering Tips: Always check the soil before watering—if the top 3 inches are dry, light watering may be given. Avoid overwatering, as excess moisture causes root rot. Use decorative gravel or rock mulch to retain moisture and prevent weeds, keeping it several inches from the rosette base for optimal airflow.