Parry's Agave

Parry’s agave is a compact, evergreen succulent with a symmetrical rosette of glaucous blue-gray leaves edged by dark teeth and tipped with a sharp spine. It is a long-lived focal plant for sunny, dry gardens; after many years, a tall summer flower stalk rises, and the flowering rosette dies. ## Garden character and size The [University of Arizona Campus Arboretum](https://apps.cals.arizona.edu/arboretum/taxon.aspx?id=512) describes rosettes up to about 4 ft across and a branched flower stalk reaching 4 m, with golden flowers. Basal offsets may form a colony around the parent. Its gray-blue foliage and orderly form work well in gravel beds, rock gardens, and open accent plantings. Keep the rigid spines away from paths and seating. ## Growing conditions Give it full sun, or light afternoon shade where summers are especially hot. Use gritty, fast-draining soil and let the soil dry between deep waterings. The [University of Arizona Cooperative Extension](https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/default/files/attachment/Agaves_0.pdf) notes that this species occurs in mountain habitats at roughly 4,500–8,000 ft in Arizona and forms a tight rosette. Although it is suited to low-water landscapes, young plants need regular establishment watering. Do not collect plants from the wild; the Extension notes that wild agaves are protected. ## Maintenance Water sparingly in winter and avoid wet soil around the crown. Remove offsets only when needed to manage space, and use gloves and eye protection when handling the sharp leaves and irritating sap. After flowering, remove the spent rosette if needed while preserving healthy pups. ## Arizona — UA elevation and care conditions (2026 audit) The [University of Arizona guide](https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/pubs/az1289.pdf), revised December 2011, page 3, lists Agave parryi (mescal/Parry’s agave) in its shrubs table. It prints water needs VL, sun/shade S and mature height 2-12 feet. Its elevation recommendations are 3,000 ft: N; 4,000 ft: Y; 5,000 ft: Y; 6,000 ft: Y; 7,000 ft: Y; 8,000 ft: Y; 9,000 ft: N. Table codes: VL=very low, L=low, M=moderate and H=high water; S=full sun, PS=partial sun, Sh=shade; in grass height entries B=bunchgrass and S=sod forming. Elevation codes Y=yes, N=not recommended and ?=unknown or doubtful. Elevations are Arizona source suitability bands, not USDA hardiness zones; listed heights and moisture needs are contextual rather than universal limits. Maintain suitable moisture, remove dead branches and litter, separate planting groups and keep plants nearest structures small and widely spaced. The guide cautions that all vegetation is potential fuel and no plant is fireproof. Check local growing conditions and current defensible-space requirements; preserve separate regional source ratings.