How to Grow Agave parryi Plants in your Garden

Gardener's HQ Guide to Growing Parrys Agave

Often referred to as Parry's Agave, the Agave parryi plant species is an herbaceous perennial that is beloved of many homeowners.

Many people love it for its easy to grow nature, attractive summer blooms, and relatively easy long-term care.

Parrys agave

Parry's Agave (Agave parryi) photograph by Allie_Caulfield.

It was named after the 19th-century botanist, Charles C. Parry and is native to a range of habitats from Texas and New Mexico, across the majority of the Southwest.

It readily grows in oak forest areas and the arid desert regions.

Agave parryi growing outdoors

Agave parryi plant growing outdoors, image by Megan Hansen; CC.

Agave parryi Growing Guide

Parry's Agave is a succulent plant that can readily grow in a range of conditions from USDA zones seven to ten. In Europe it is classified as a hardiness zone H2 plant, thus it is considered to be a cold tolerant plant but is not tolerant of being frozen.

This plant is easy to grow as it tolerates drought and survives in a range of soils. Ideal soil requirements are a well-draining rocky, sandy soil that keeps the amount of moisture to a minimum.

Ideally plant in an area that provides full sun, though it will grow fairly well in a partially shaded area.

Agave parryi Huachucensis

Agave parryi Var. Huachucensis photograph by Juan Ignacio 1976; CC.

Parry's Agave specimens can grow to a width of between two and three feet (60 to 90 cm). For most of the time plants reach about 20 inches high (50 cm). However after a few years the plant produces tall flowering stalks, which can reach 20 feet high (6 m).

Agave parryi blooms in the summer. The flowers are yellow.

If you live in an area that has large amounts of rain and snow then it is best to shelter Parry's Agave from cold, damp conditions.

Agave parryi Growing and Care Guide

Scientific Name: Agave parryi
Common Name: Parrys agave, Century plant
Growing Zone: USA: 7 to 10, UK: H2
Life Cycle / Plant Type: Indoor Plant, Perennial, Succulent, evergreen

Plant Details

Plant Height (Inches): 12 to 24
Plant Spread (Inches): 12 to 24
Time of Bloom:
Flower Details: White
Leaf Foliage: Blue, Silvery
Fruit:
Growth Form: Rounded

Ideal Growing Conditions

Best Light Conditions: Partially shady to full sunlight
Rate of Growth: Grows slowly
Suitable Soil Types: Acidic, Alkaline, Clay, Loamy, Neutral, Sandy, Slightly alkaline, Well drained
Soil Moisture: Dry

Caring Conditions

Plant Care: Water frequently in the summer, reduce watering in the autumn, no watering in winter and spring. Feed four times a year with a low nitrogen fertilizer.
Level of Maintenance: Low, container grown plants can be moved outdoors in the summer
Propagation: Seed, or from offsets
How to Prune: Not usually required
Pests: Usually pest free, Agave weevil, slugs, scale insect
Diseases: Usually disease free

Further Information

Can Attract: Birds
Tolerant of: Drought, Dry Soil, Shallow-Rocky Soil
Best Garden Use: Border, Container, Patio, Foundation, Ground cover, En masse , Rock garden, Specimen

Family: Asparagaceae (Asparagus)

Closely Related Species: Other family members include Asparagus fern, Thompson's Yucca, and Ornithogalum nutans.

Miscellaneous: Entices birdlife to the garden, Attractive foliage, North American native, Some parts are poisonous, Flowers are rare, Attractive flowers / blooms. Traditionaly used by indigenous Americans to make soap. The fibers of the plant are also useful.
Genus Detail: Agave, see also: Agave americana
Further Reading and References: The American Southwest: Agaves and Missouri Botanical Garden Guides

Parry's Agave