Parry's Agave (Agave parryi): Compact Blue-Green Rosette

Overview

Parry's Agave (Agave parryi) is a supremely architectural, compact agave forming tight, symmetrical rosettes of broad, blue-gray leaves with distinctive dark brown to black terminal spines and marginal teeth. The leaf backs often show beautiful bud imprints. It offsets freely, forming colonies. After 10–20 years, a towering stalk (10–20 ft) bears yellow flowers. Native to high deserts of the Southwest US and Mexico, it's exceptionally cold hardy for an agave. A premier choice for rock gardens, containers, and modern xeric design.

Key Features

• Rosette: Tight, symmetrical, 1–2 ft tall and wide.
• Leaves: Broad, blue-gray; dark terminal spine; toothed margins; bud imprints.
• Flowers: Yellow, on 10–20 ft stalk; once in lifetime.
• Offsets: Freely clumping.

Care Guidelines

Light

Full sun. Light shade in hottest deserts.

Water

Low. Drought-tolerant. Water deeply but infrequently.

Soil

Gritty, well-drained. Mineral soil.

Hardiness

USDA zones 5–10. Very cold hardy.

Taxonomy

Family:	Agavaceae
Genus:	Agave (a-GAH-vee)
Species:	parryi (PAIR-ree-eye)
Synonyms:	Agave chihuahuana, Agave patonii