AGAVE PARRYI

Botanical Name: Agave parryi
Common Names: Parry’s Agave, Artichoke Agave
Mature Size: 1.5–2.5 feet (45–75 cm) in height, 2–3 feet (60–90 cm) in spread
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; thrives in rocky, gravelly, and sandy soils
Water Needs: Low; exceptionally drought-tolerant once established
Foliage: Compact rosette of thick, blue-gray leaves with dark terminal spines and small marginal teeth
Flowers: Tall flowering stalk (up to 15–20 feet / 5–6 meters) with yellow blooms; flowers once, then dies
Growth Rate: Slow

Uses:

• Ornamental Plant: Agave parryi is admired for its compact, artichoke-like form and striking leaf color, making it a standout in rock gardens, desert landscapes, and decorative containers.

• Xeriscaping: Ideal for water-conserving gardens in arid climates, where its form and hardiness shine with minimal care.

Benefits:

• Drought Resistance: Perfectly suited for dry climates, requiring very little water once established.

• Low Maintenance: Hardy and pest-resistant, this agave thrives with little intervention.

• Ecological Value: Its towering bloom stalk attracts pollinators such as hummingbirds, bees, and bats.

• Longevity & Structure: Adds year-round architectural interest with its bold rosette form and steel-blue coloration.

Agave parryi is a tough, slow-growing succulent celebrated for its compact symmetry and silvery-blue foliage. Its durability, ornamental beauty, and minimal care needs make it an exceptional addition to any dry-climate or contemporary landscape.