AGAVE PARRASANA

Botanical Name: Agave parrasana
Common Names: Cabbage Head Agave, Parrasana Agave
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; thrives in rocky, gravelly, and poor substrates
Water Needs: Very low; extremely drought-tolerant once established
Foliage: Thick, blue-gray to silvery leaves in tight, symmetrical rosettes; edged with red teeth and tipped with a sharp spine
Flowers: Very tall flowering stalk (up to 15 feet / 4.5 meters) with yellow to red-tinged flowers; monocarpic (dies after flowering)
Growth Rate: Slow

Uses:

Ornamental Plant:
Agave parrasana is valued for its sculptural form and bold foliage, offering texture and contrast in xeriscapes, rock gardens, and architectural desert designs.

Xeriscaping:
An outstanding choice for low-water-use gardens, it performs exceptionally in arid conditions with little upkeep.

Sculptural Accent Plant:
Its striking, symmetrical rosette and powdery-blue leaves make it a dramatic focal point in both contemporary and naturalistic landscapes.

Benefits:

Extreme Drought Tolerance:
Adapted to dry, rugged climates with minimal irrigation needs.

Low Maintenance:
Tough, pest-resistant, and slow-growing; requires little attention apart from the removal of old or damaged leaves.

Ecological Contribution:
Its blooms attract pollinators such as hummingbirds and insects during the rare flowering phase.

Architectural Form:
The geometric precision of its foliage adds year-round visual impact.

Cold Hardy:
Can tolerate moderate frost, making it suitable for high-desert and cooler arid zones.

Agave parrasana is a rugged, slow-growing agave species that brings bold structure and striking color to water-wise landscapes. Its compact rosette and minimal care needs make it an ideal plant for sustainable and visually impactful dry garden design.