Agave parrasana

Agave parrasana (synonym Agave wislizeni subsp. parrasana) is a particularly ornamental Mexican species, with good hardiness. Nicknamed the Cabbage Agave, it forms an evocative rosette, with a well-rounded geometric shape. The large leaves overlap each other in a dense and attractive arrangement. Ranging in colour from glaucous to very blue depending on the individuals, this small-sized agave grows slowly. Easily cultivable in a pot or container on a balcony or terrace, it can also be planted outdoors in many regions, as it is hardy down to -14°C (6.8°F) in very well-drained soil. A very beautiful species to discover and plant in a sunny location.

Agaves belong to the Asparagaceae family (formerly Agavaceae), which includes more than 600 species and about twenty genera, many of which are ornamental (Yucca, Cordyline, Sansevieria, Nolina). This mountainous Agave is native to northern Mexico, where it grows at altitudes ranging from 1500 to 2500m (4921 to 8202ft), which explains its good hardiness, allowing it to withstand dry and brief frosts of around -14°C (6.8°F). It grows in full sun on completely dry cliffs overlooking desert areas.

With slow growth, Agave parrasana initially produces leaves that are longer than they are wide. After about 5 years, the leaves become wider and the rosette takes on its characteristic appearance, which gives the species its common name of Cabbage Agave. In reality, the visual effect is closer to that of an artichoke. Initially upright, the young leaves gradually spread out while maintaining a fairly closed angle, giving the species its distinctive habit. Covered with strong spines, the laminae are so compressed in the central bud that their teeth leave their mark on neighbouring leaves. When these leaves spread apart, the pattern of spines remains engraved, forming white marbling on the bluish surface of the leaf. These greyish-reddish spines often take on curved or sinuate shapes. When fully grown, it rarely exceeds 60cm (24in) in diameter, making it easy to grow in pots in cold regions.

After several years, it produces a flower in summer. Despite the small size of this agave, its flower is a gigantic spike. Measuring 4 to 6m (13 to 20ft) in height and over 10cm (4in) in diameter, this axis branches out at its end into paniculate inflorescences that initially produce red flowers, which then turn yellow. As a semelparous plant, this flowering signifies the death of the plant, which will have produced daughter rosettes at its base.

Ideal for arid situations, shallow soils, and large scree slopes, it will naturally structure a minimalist, mineral, exotic landscape in a dry garden, as well as on a south-facing terrace. Cultivable in many regions, its unique architectural presence blends well with the simplicity of wild grasses such as Stipa ichu or Stipa gigantea. It can also be planted alongside prickly pear cacti (Opuntia), some of which are extremely hardy. A beautiful specimen of Yucca rostrata, with its perfect ball-shaped habit, will also be ideal to complete your exotic bed. For a unique touch, add Cylindropuntia imbricata, an astonishing Opuntia with cylindrical segments, rather than pads like other Opuntias, which branches out more each year and enchants with its fuchsia-pink flowers with yellow centres.

Agave is also an edible plant, used in Mexico to make mescal, an alcoholic beverage obtained through fermentation of its sugar-rich juice. It is also used in traditional medicine in Mexico, Brazil, and India for its proven antifungal properties. Very attractive to bees and nectar-feeding insects, the inflorescences attract many pollinators.