Cabbage Head Agave

*Agave parrasana*, the cabbage head agave, forms a compact evergreen rosette of broad, fleshy blue-gray leaves with conspicuous red-brown teeth. Its tight, artichoke-like outline reads clearly in gravel gardens, dry slopes and large containers; place it away from narrow paths because the leaf tips are sharp. ## Form and seasonal interest The cultivated rosette is commonly about 1–2 ft tall and wide, though nursery references give a broader 30–60 cm range. It grows slowly. A mature plant may eventually send up a much taller terminal flower spike with red and yellow tones; the flowering rosette then dies, while any offsets may continue the planting. The [Southern Nevada Water Authority](https://www.snwa.com/landscapes/plants/?id=14686) lists summer flowering and yellow-red flowers; [Plantmark](https://www.plantmark.com.au/agave-parrasana) describes its evergreen, rosette-forming habit and terminal spike. ## Siting Choose full sun and very free-draining soil. Rocky, sandy or gritty ground is preferable to heavy soil that holds water around the crown. It can be used as a feature in a pot or grouped on a dry bank where its mature width has room. The SNWA profile recommends excellent drainage and notes full sun to part shade. ## Maintenance Water sparingly after establishment and reduce irrigation in cool weather. Keep the crown from sitting in water, and remove only damaged leaves when needed, using gloves around the sharp spines. Allow the plant to complete its terminal bloom rather than cutting the flower stalk prematurely.