The Agave potatorum cv. Kichijokan, also known as Perennial Lucky Crown Century Plant, is a stunning succulent plant highly sought after for its beauty. It is a small-growing rosette-forming plant that is usually solitary and stemless. As the plant matures, its margination, spines, color, and overall shape become more pronounced. Each plant is unique, with various variegated forms.
The open spreading rosette is symmetrical and hemispherical in shape, reaching up to 63cm in height and width. The leaves are short and blue/grey, with wide, up-curving, spoon-like shapes that terminate in a wide upside-down "V." The outer sides of the leaves display beautiful lateral creamy-colored variegations, sometimes accompanied by a pale green variegation along the center of each leaf. The backside of the leaves has distinct imprints. The leaf edges have a purplish/maroonish color and large rusty-colored teeth, contrasting well with the pale leaf color. At maturity, the plant may produce a tall flowering spike.
Agave potatorum cv. Kichijokan is a garden cultivar believed to have originated in Japan. It is often considered a Japanese cultivar of Agave potatorum, although some classify it as a form of Agave parryi. This cultivar is a popular choice for container gardening due to its smaller size, beautiful color, and regular proportions. It thrives in well-drained soil and can tolerate light shade to full sun, but benefits from some shade during the summer. It requires thorough drying between watering, especially during the winter months, and is relatively easy to propagate. The plant's striking appearance makes it suitable for accentuating landscapes, providing year-round foliage color, and creating eye-catching displays in pots or patio arrangements.
Agave potatorum cv. Kichijokan, or Perennial Lucky Crown Century Plant, is not as cold-hardy as some other Agave species. It can tolerate temperatures down to around -3°C without severe damage. However, prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures or frost can cause damage to the foliage, resulting in discoloration and wilting.
If you live in an area where frost or freezing temperatures are common, it is advisable to protect Agave potatorum cv. Kichijokan by covering it or moving it to a sheltered location during cold spells. Providing some form of frost protection, such as covering the plant with a frost cloth or placing it indoors, can help prevent damage and maintain the plant's overall health.
