The Story
Plant Bio
Agave parryi neomexicana is a compact, rosette-forming succulent with thick, blue-gray leaves edged with sharp spines, producing tall flower stalks with yellow blossoms during its blooming period.
This cultivar is distinguished by its particularly dense, powdery coating on the leaves, enhancing its silvery appearance and making it highly ornamental in xeriscape and drought-tolerant gardens.
Uses & Benefits:
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
Southwestern United States
Toxicity
Toxic to pets if ingested
Bloom period
Early spring – Late spring
In flower about 3 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or pups into well-draining soil
- Water sparingly until established
- Place in full sun for optimal growth
- Allow soil to dry completely between watering
- Protect from frost during cold months
- Mulch lightly to retain moisture
Pro Tip
Use gritty, well-draining soil for best results
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water infrequently to prevent root rot 🌱
- Provide full sun for vibrant growth
- Use cactus/succulent fertilizer during growing season
Don't
- Overwater or keep in soggy soil ❌
- Plant in shade or low light
- Forget to protect from frost in winter
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| 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
Parry's Agave Neomexicana questions
What zones can Parry's Agave Neomexicana grow in?
Parry's Agave Neomexicana 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 Parry's Agave Neomexicana deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Parry's Agave Neomexicana, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Parry's Agave Neomexicana bloom?
Parry's Agave Neomexicana typically blooms in early spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Parry's Agave Neomexicana need full sun?
Parry's Agave Neomexicana does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Parry's Agave Neomexicana drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Parry's Agave Neomexicana 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 gracilipes
McKelvey's Agave
Agave mckelveyana
Vanzie Whale's Tongue Agave
Agave ovatifolia 'Vanzie'
Frosty Blue Whale's Tongue Agave
Agave ovatifolia 'Frosty Blue'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Parry's Agave Neomexicana 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.