AGAVE PARRYI COUESII

Botanical Name: Agave parryi var. couesii
Common Names: Coues’ Agave, Parry’s Agave
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; thrives in rocky, sandy, and poor substrates
Water Needs: Very low; extremely drought-tolerant once established
Foliage: Compact rosettes of broad, blue-gray leaves with pronounced margins and a sharp terminal spine; highly symmetrical and sculptural
Flowers: Tall, dramatic flower spike (up to 10–15 feet / 3–4.5 meters) with yellow flowers tinged with red; monocarpic (dies after blooming)
Growth Rate: Slow

Uses:

Ornamental Plant:
Agave parryi var. couesii is admired for its compact form and bold leaf structure, adding architectural presence and contrast to xeriscapes, rock gardens, and arid landscapes.

Xeriscaping:
Ideal for low-water-use gardens, it thrives in dry climates with minimal care and is perfectly adapted to desert environments.

Sculptural Accent Plant:
Its symmetrical rosette and silvery-blue foliage make it an eye-catching feature in minimalist, native, or modern garden designs.

Benefits:

Extreme Drought Tolerance:
Survives with little to no irrigation once established, making it ideal for hot, dry regions.

Low Maintenance:
Very hardy and pest-resistant; needs little attention aside from occasional grooming or removing dead flower stalks.

Ecological Contribution:
Its flowers attract pollinators such as bees, hummingbirds, and bats during blooming periods.

Architectural Form:
The striking rosette shape and powdery leaf color provide year-round interest and texture.

Cold Hardy:
Tolerates freezing temperatures, making it suitable for high desert and cooler dry climates.

Agave parryi var. couesii is a rugged, slow-growing agave that brings strong structure and subtle elegance to arid and water-wise gardens. Its resilient nature and striking form make it a standout choice for sustainable, low-maintenance landscapes.