Agave parryi
Also known as: Parry's agave, mescal agave
Parry's agave: broad chunky grey-blue leaves with dramatic black spine tips, hardy to about -15 °C in dry cold — one of the best agaves for temperate outdoor gardens. It comes from Mexico/USA (Arizona, New Mexico, Chihuahua), stays around Rosette 45–70 cm, and tolerates USDA 6–11; hardy to about -15 °C dry. Individual plants vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Key facts
- Genus: Agave
- Origin: Mexico/USA (Arizona, New Mexico, Chihuahua)
- Mature size: Rosette 45–70 cm
- Hardiness: USDA 6–11; hardy to about -15 °C dry
- Toxicity: Spines sharp; sap irritating
Succulent at a glance
- Genus
- Agave
- Origin
- Mexico/USA (Arizona, New Mexico, Chihuahua)
- Mature size
- Rosette 45–70 cm
- Growth habit
- Broad grey sculptural rosette with black spine tips
- Leaf colour
- Grey-blue chunky leaves with black terminal spines
- Flower colour
- Yellow-gold spike (monocarpic after decades)
- Hardiness
- USDA 6–11; hardy to about -15 °C dry
- Toxicity
- Spines sharp; sap irritating
- Other names
- Parry's agave, mescal agave
About the Agave parryi
Parry's agave: broad chunky grey-blue leaves with dramatic black spine tips, hardy to about -15 °C in dry cold — one of the best agaves for temperate outdoor gardens. Slow, majestic, monocarpic after decades (pups continue).
Care and cultivation
Agaves want full sun, sharp drainage and space. Most are monocarpic: the main rosette flowers once and dies, leaving pups to continue. Wear eye protection when working near spined species, and keep winter rain off the crowns of tender species. Light: Full sun to very bright light. Water: Every 2–3 weeks in summer; little in winter. Use a Extremely gritty mineral mix.
Description
Agave parryi is an Agave succulent from Mexico/USA (Arizona, New Mexico, Chihuahua). Parry's agave: broad chunky grey-blue leaves with dramatic black spine tips, hardy to about -15 °C in dry cold — one of the best agaves for temperate outdoor gardens. Slow, majestic, monocarpic after decades (pups continue).
Identification
Look for: Grey-blue chunky leaves with black terminal spines leaves in a Rosette 45–70 cm form. Also answers to Parry's agave, mescal agave. The genus is Agave, which already narrows down the care requirements considerably. Nickname: 'Parry's agave'.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water my Agave parryi?
Every 2–3 weeks in summer; little in winter. Always let the soil dry completely between waterings, and water less in winter when growth slows.
How much light does Agave parryi need?
Full sun to very bright light. If the plant stretches or loses colour, it needs more light.
Related succulents
Succulent information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Agave parryi, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.