Agave parryi subsp. neomexicana
New Mexico agave
An evergreen succulent, forming a somewhat flat-topped rosette of lance-shaped, blue-green leaves with tapering tips. Leaves are edged with sharp, dark brown teeth and spines at the tip. Mature plants may produce a tall spike with branching clusters of small yellow flowers tinted red in bud, after which the central rosette dies off
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Blue Green Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Blue Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Blue Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Blue Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats): harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Agave can be perennial or monocarpic succulents, forming rosettes of usually rigid, fleshy, spiny-edged leaves, with funnel-shaped flowers in racemes or panicles often much taller than the rosettes
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mexico, USA (TX, NM)
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in free draining soil or cactus compost, water freely when in growth and apply a dilute, liquid fertiliser 3 or 4 times during the growing season. May tolerate lower temperatures if kept completely dry over winter; provide winter protection or overwinter in a greenhouse or conservatory. See hardy cacti and succulent cultivation for more advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed, or by removing offsets in spring or autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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