Arizona Star

Plant Type: perennial, succulent
Plant Height: 4–6 feet
Spread: 6–10 feet
Flower Color: yellow
Sun Exposure: Full sun, Partial Shade

Arizona Star / Agave weberi variegated: Striking Color and Grand Desert Form
Agave weberi ‘Arizona Star’ is a spectacular variegated cultivar that brings dramatic color and structure to Arizona landscapes. Known for its bold rosette of wide, arching blue-green leaves with golden-yellow margins, this agave combines large-scale architectural presence with vibrant contrast. Its luminous variegation and graceful leaf curve make it a centerpiece in both desert and modern garden designs.

Key Features of Arizona Star Agave
The Arizona Star showcases long, fleshy leaves edged in bright yellow to cream variegation, creating a vivid play of color in sunlight. Unlike more rigid agaves, its leaves gently arch outward, forming a soft, open rosette that can reach impressive size at maturity. The smooth leaf margins and striking coloration add visual interest without appearing harsh. After many years, it produces a tall flowering stalk bearing clusters of yellow blooms before completing its natural life cycle, often leaving offsets at its base to continue the display.

Growing and Care Tips
This agave thrives in full sun but appreciates light afternoon shade in extreme summer heat. It requires well-drained soil—ideally sandy, rocky, or decomposed granite mixtures—to prevent standing water around the base. During the establishment phase, water deeply every 10–14 days to promote strong root growth, then transition to infrequent deep watering once established. Fertilizer is optional but may be applied lightly in spring for a boost in vigor. Protect from prolonged frost to maintain leaf quality and variegation vibrancy.

Landscaping Uses
Agave weberi ‘Arizona Star’ is a showpiece in any xeriscape or desert-inspired landscape. Its glowing margins make it a natural focal point in gravel beds, courtyards, or entryways. It pairs beautifully with darker green succulents, cacti, and ornamental grasses, and its bold form adds depth and contrast to minimalist or tropical-style designs. When given room to mature, it serves as a living sculpture that anchors large outdoor spaces.

Summary
Arizona Star Agave is a stunning variegated selection that combines color, scale, and resilience. Its golden margins and smooth, arching leaves make it one of the most visually captivating agaves for Arizona landscapes, offering long-term beauty with very little maintenance.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow):
Arizona Star Agave Planting Guide:
Location: Full sun to partial shade (at least 6 hours of sunlight daily; light afternoon shade recommended during the hottest summer months)
Soil: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil is essential to prevent root rot and maintain healthy color contrast
Spacing: Space plants 6–10 feet apart to allow full rosette expansion and airflow
Planting Depth: Set the crown at or slightly above soil level to prevent water accumulation around the base
Support: No staking required; naturally stable, broad rosette structure

Watering Guide:
Watering After Planting: Water deeply after planting to settle soil and remove air pockets. Allow soil to dry completely before the next watering. During the first 2–3 months, water every 10–14 days depending on temperature and soil drainage.
When is the Plant Established? Arizona Star is considered established after approximately 6–12 months when root growth has stabilized and new leaves form consistently.
Watering Once Established: Once established, water sparingly. In summer, irrigate every 3–4 weeks only during prolonged dry spells. In winter, watering is rarely needed unless soil remains dry for several weeks.
Drip Irrigation Setup: Place emitters 12–18 inches from the rosette center to prevent excess moisture near the base. Use low-flow emitters (0.5–1 gallon per hour) and allow soil to dry completely between watering cycles. One emitter per plant is typically sufficient.
General Watering Tips: Always ensure the top several inches of soil are dry before watering again. Avoid overwatering to prevent root and crown rot. Use decorative gravel or rock mulch to help conserve moisture and reduce weed growth, keeping it several inches from the plant’s base for airflow and longevity.