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.