Bed of Nails Agave
Agave parryi 'Bed of Nails'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
24 inches
Width
36 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
8, 9
Water
Low
Humidity
Low
Lifespan
Decades
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Toxic to pets and humans if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Agave parryi, commonly known as Parry's agave, is a rosette-forming succulent with thick, bluish-gray, sword-shaped leaves that are edged with small, sharp teeth, and produces tall flowering spikes. The cultivar 'Bed of Nails' is distinguished by its particularly dense, spiny leaf margins that resemble a textured, protective 'bed of nails', adding a striking and rugged ornamental appeal.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or pups into well-draining soil
- Water sparingly until established, about 6 weeks
- Place in full sun for optimal growth
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
- Mulch lightly to retain moisture and prevent weeds
- Protect from frost in colder zones
Pro Tip
Use cactus soil mix and ensure excellent drainage for best results.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water infrequently, allowing soil to dry between watering 🌱
- Apply cactus fertilizer during active growth season
- Remove dead leaves to maintain appearance
Don't
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
- Plant in heavy clay soil without amendment ❌
- Expose to excessive shade ❌
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Bed of Nails Agave questions
What zones can Bed of Nails Agave grow in?
Bed of Nails Agave is hardy in USDA Zones 8–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Bed of Nails Agave deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Bed of Nails Agave, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Bed of Nails Agave bloom?
Bed of Nails Agave typically blooms in late summer through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Bed of Nails Agave need full sun?
Bed of Nails Agave does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Bed of Nails Agave drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Bed of Nails Agave handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Agave to compare
Utah Agave Kaibabensis
Agave utahensis 'kaibabensis'
Toumey's Agave
Agave toumeyana
Slimfoot Century Plant
Agave x gracilipes
McKelvey's Agave
Agave mckelveyana
Frosty Blue Whale's Tongue Agave
Agave ovatifolia 'Frosty Blue'
Artichoke Agave
Agave parryi 'truncata'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Bed of Nails Agave with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
