Agave parrasana 'Fireball'

RHS Plant Profile
agave 'Fireball'
agave 'Fireball' RHS
Cactus Succulent Conservatory Greenhouse

A slow-growing, compact succulent to around 50cm in height, forming rosettes of short, broad, waxy variegated dark blue-green leaves with creamy-yellow margins, yellow, orange or red markings when exposed to intense light and hooked teeth along the margins. After a number of years, flowers that are red in bud, but opening to yellow, are borne in panicles on sturdy stems reaching up to 6m high

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Sand

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years

Growing Conditions

Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asparagaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in cactus compost in full light. Water freely in summer, giving a low-nitrogen feed three or four times. Water less in autumn and keep dry in winter. Can move outdoors for summer. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further information

Propagation

Propagate by seed, or remove offsets

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects

Diseases

Generally disease-free