Parry's Agave
Agave parryi
A compact native agave with tightly packed blue-gray leaves forming one of the most decorative rosettes in the desert.
Very cold hardy to around 0-10°F, USDA 9-11; native to Arizona high desert and thrives in the low desert too.
AMWUA Notes
Native, exceptionally drought tolerant agave needing almost no supplemental water.
Care Guide
Water monthly in summer once established; extremely drought tolerant and rot-prone if overwatered.
Remove dead lower leaves; monocarpic, so remove the parent after its dramatic bloom and keep the offsets.
Not needed in native soil.
Agave snout weevil is the main threat; a spring soil drench is good insurance.
One of the most cold-hardy agaves, tolerating hard frost; the tight blue-gray rosette holds its form year-round.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Sharp-draining decomposed granite; lean, low organic matter
Needs sharp, fast-draining soil.
None — thrives in lean desert soil without fertilizer.
Offsets (pups)
2-3 ft
Shallow, non-invasive roots; keep the stout terminal spine off walkways and away from children
Placement Tips
- •Feature as a compact specimen or in rock gardens and containers.
- •Keep the stout terminal spine off walkways and away from children.
- •Plant in sharp-draining granite.
- •Allow for the 2-3 ft spread.
Features
Best Uses
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
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Use this care guide to maintain your Parry's Agave. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Parry's Agave — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Parry's Agave need in Phoenix?
Parry's Agave is a very low-water succulent once established. Water monthly in summer once established; extremely drought tolerant and rot-prone if overwatered. Native, exceptionally drought tolerant agave needing almost no supplemental water.
How big does Parry's Agave get?
Expect roughly 2 ft tall and 2 ft wide at maturity, with a slow growth rate. Allow about 2-3 ft of spacing when planting. Shallow, non-invasive roots; keep the stout terminal spine off walkways and away from children.
Can you plant Parry's Agave near a pool?
Not ideally. Parry's Agave is not rated pool-friendly, so it is better placed away from the pool deck and skimmer. Litter is rated low.
Can Parry's Agave handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Parry's Agave is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants full sun. Very cold hardy to around 0-10°F, USDA 9-11; native to Arizona high desert and thrives in the low desert too. One of the most cold-hardy agaves, tolerating hard frost; the tight blue-gray rosette holds its form year-round.
Does Parry's Agave have thorns?
Yes — Parry's Agave has small thorns. Site it back from walkways, seating and pool decks where people brush past.
Is Parry's Agave safe around pets?
Parry's Agave is listed as pet-friendly in this guide. If your dog is a determined chewer, check any new plant with your vet before planting.
When does Parry's Agave bloom in Arizona?
Parry's Agave blooms in summer, with bright yellow flowers.
How much maintenance does Parry's Agave need?
Parry's Agave is low-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated low. Remove dead lower leaves; monocarpic, so remove the parent after its dramatic bloom and keep the offsets.
What kind of soil does Parry's Agave need?
Sharp-draining decomposed granite; lean, low organic matter. It needs no supplemental feeding. Not needed in native soil.
Is Parry's Agave native to Arizona?
Yes. Parry's Agave is native to Arizona and to the Arizona to Western Texas and Central Mexico, so it is adapted to local rainfall, soil and heat.