This is a very attractive slow growing succulent and Agave parryi is renowned as being a wonderful silver foliage plant.
Best grown in full sun although like most agaves, in very hot climates, in summer if does tend to look better with a little afternoon shade.
A free draining soil is essential, wet and soggy soils will kill the plant, and especially so in winter.
This is an evergreen perennial that forms a tight rosette, the silver foliage is tipped with a deep red spike and the leaf margins with smaller, but similar spikes.
A variety Agave parryi truncata, is smaller growing and makes a great little compact plant for growing in containers.
Although this is a plant that grows in rocky soils and is regarded as a desert plant it naturally grows at high elevations, so cool winters and hot summers.
How to Grow Agave parryi
- Choose a position in full sun to a little shade.
- Grow Agave parryi either in the garden or in containers.
- A well drained soil is essential, in containers add some extra drainage material if needed.
- You can plant this succulent as a single specimen plant or in a group. In groups space them a 2 – 4 ft apart so they have space to grow.
- In cooler climates you can over winter them indoors however they do perform better outdoors.
- Only water when the plant is in active growth and from spring through into fall. Hold back on water over winter. Wait until the soil dries before watering.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name : Agave parryi
- Common Names : Century Plant, Parry’s Agave
- Origins : Mexico through to Arizona.
- Position : Full sun to little shade
- Soil : Well drained
- Growth Rate : Slow
- Height : Around 18 inches
- Spread : around 24 inches
- Flowers : On tall spikes to 12 ft, bright yellow to buttery yellow.
- Foliage : Silvery grey to blue with spikes.
- USDA Zone : 7b – 10a.
