Agave parryi

Parry's Agave

Accent

This evergreen plant is much smaller than its cousins, slowly reaching only two and one-half feet high and wide. The gray-green leaves have black edges with sharp thorns that end in a barbed tip. If pups are not removed, it will form a cluster.

Temperature

Hardy to 5F.

Water requirements

Occasional to none in areas with more than three inches of annual rainfall. When summers are dry, supply some water to keep leaves plump.

Sun

Full or filtered sun.

Soil

Tolerates most types except waterlogged.

Maintenance

Little to none.

Disadvantages

Sharp spikes on tips of leaves. Dies after bloom. Pups. Susceptible to Agave weevil.

Bloom

The yellow flower appears in summer on a tall stalk.

Uses

Specimen or group planting in Xeriscape garden.

Origin

Native to Sonoran Desert. Member of the Agavaceae family.

Cultivars

Several varieties, including huachucensis, truncata, parryi and couesil. The latter two are not as common.

Themes

Native, Desert Grassland, Desert, Desert Transitional, Subtropical

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