Scientific Name
Agave parryi var. huachucensis (Baker) Little
Common Name(s)
Huachuca Agave, Parry's Agave, Parry's Huachuca Agave, Artichoke Agave
Synonym(s)
Agave huachucensis, Agave applanata var. huachucensis
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Agave
Description
Agave parryi var. huachucensis is a succulent that forms tight rosettes of wide, thick, rigid, silvery-gray leaves with a conspicuous dark terminal spine. The rosettes grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall and 3 feet (90 cm) in diameter. When mature (over ten years), a flower spike rises to 20 feet (6 m), bearing lemon-yellow flowers tinged with pink. The rosette dies after flowering, but new rosettes formed by offsets will root at the base of the mother rosette to form colonies.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 8a to 11b: from 10 °F (−12.2 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Agave is not a difficult plant to grow. They're slow-growing and dramatic and will even thrive on a bit of neglect. If you're the type of person who likes to fuss with houseplants and water a lot, Agave is probably not the plant for you. If, however, you're the type of person who likes to set it and forget it, and you have a sunny window, Agave might be the way to go. Be aware that some large varieties will eventually outgrow your room (unless you have a large greenhouse), and Agave can be aggressive. They have irritating sap and sometimes very sharp thorns that can cause injuries to small children and even pets.
In general, Agaves do not need to be repotted every year. Most of the species commonly found in cultivation grow very slowly and take a long time to outgrow their pot. It's also best to handle your Agave as little as possible since they do not like to be disturbed.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Agave.
Origin
This variety is native to Arizona and New Mexico.
Links
- Back to genus Agave
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
