Agave parryi

Parry’s Agave

OVERVIEW:

Named after the British-American trained botanist Charles Parryi, Agave parryi can be found (each with slight variation) across Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. This agave features compact rosettes reaching a size of 1-2’ tall by 2-3’ across. Once mature, each rosette contains hundreds of thick, rigid gray-green leaves achieving a size of 10-24” long and 2-5” wide. Each leaf is lined with 1- 1 ½ teeth, gradually diminishing as it reaches the spine. The spine starts as a dark brown or black and fades to a gray green as the Parryi ages. Once maturity is reached, the Agave parryi will shoot a 10- 20’ stalk (usually in the summer months). Displayed on this stalk are hundreds of pinkish red buds, eventually opening to a vibrant, golden bloom.

CLASSIFICATION:

Scientific Name: Agave Parryi

Common Name: Parrys Agave

Family: Asparagaceae

Monocarpic: dies after 1st and only bloom

Suggested Uses: Great for rock gardens or borders

CHARACTERISTICS:

Height: 1-2’

Width: 2-3’

Flower: on a 20-30’ stalk there are about 25 -30 branches displaying hundreds of bright yellow flowers

Bloom Period: summer

Fruit: NA

ENVIRONMENT:

USDA Zone: 7-11

Hardiness: can handle lows of 10F

Sun: Full sun

Water: In summer, deep water every 10-20 days. Do not water in winter/ dormant months

Soil: Fertile, well-draining soils