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Agave parryi var. neomexicana

Agave parryi var. neomexicana

4,5/5
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Well received. Beautiful young plant that has grown well during the summer.

Isabelle A., 01/09/2018

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This plant carries a 12 months recovery warranty

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This small-sized agave is a hardy species, tolerating temperatures down to -22°C (-7.6°F) in dry soil. It forms an average 70cm (28in) rosette that resembles a large cabbage, with a light grey-green colour, and a bright black-edged centre. Similar to Agave parryi var. huachucensis, it differs by having a lower density, a slightly less regular architecture, and broader, less tapered leaves adorned with a strong black terminal spine. This semelparous perennial ensures its longevity by producing numerous offspring rosettes. An excellent plant for arid situations, embankments, rock gardens, and limestone gardens.
Flower size
5 cm
Height at maturity
60 cm
Spread at maturity
60 cm
Exposure
Sun
Hardiness
Hardy down to -15°C
Soil moisture
Dry soil
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Best planting time April, October
Recommended planting time February to April, August to September
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Flowering time July to August
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Description

Agave parryi subsp. neomexicana is part of a tribe of agaves capable of withstanding very severe frosts, around -25°C (-13°F) in dry soil. It is a subspecies of Parry's Agave, from which it differs mainly in the number of leaves that make up its rosette, as well as in their oval shape, which is less tapered, bordered in black, with each bearing a superb terminal spine of the same colour. The plant is of medium size for the genus and develops into a well-organised rosette of light grey-green colour with bluish reflections. The summer flowering, in a panicle reaching 3m (10ft) in height, signifies the death of the plant which will have taken care to produce numerous daughter rosettes. This agave will naturally structure a minimalist, mineral, exotic setting in a dry garden as well as on a south-facing terrace.

 

Native to a small location in the Organ Mountains, in the state of New Mexico in the USA, Agave parryi subsp. neomexicana is part of those agaves propagated in cultivation by enthusiasts always looking for exotic plants capable of surviving our cold and humid winters. This slow-growing botanical species is adapted to semi-desert climates. It belongs to the Asparagaceae family (formerly Agavaceae), just like yuccas or tuberose. This perennial herbaceous succulent plant has rhizomes capable of producing suckers, but it is almost devoid of aerial stems. Like a big cabbage, it is composed of numerous leaves overlapping each other, superimposed like roof tiles, forming a basal rosette, tall and wide at maturity, measuring 60cm (24in). The oval-shaped leaves are smooth, rigid, thick, light grey-green with bluish reflections, and bordered by rather red spines in young plants, becoming black over time. The end of each leaf is equipped with a sharp spine, black to red in colour, shiny, and formed by the fusion of margins of the same colour. This pretty dark border enhances both the colour of the leaves and the silhouette of the plant. When a rosette is mature, after many years, it produces a flowering stem reaching 3m (10ft) in height. It bears some horizontal branching. The branches bear flat and spherical panicles, 7 to 10cm (3 to 4in) wide, composed of a myriad of small red buds. The semelparous rosette dies after flowering, which lasts several months, having taken care to produce many small peripheral rosettes to ensure its perpetuity. This species forms numerous suckers from a young age.

 

Cultivable in many regions, this agave will suit a large rockery, or placed at the edge of a dry garden, where its unique architectural presence will beautifully dress a minimalist decor punctuated by some wild grasses such as Stipa ichu or Stipa gigantea. It can be planted with prickly pears, giant fennel, Nolina hibernica, and quite hardy candle cacti (Cleistocactus strausii, Cylindropuntia imbricata), which are all equally undemanding plants. This agave can also be grown in a very large pot on a terrace, carefully choosing the sunniest spot, protected from winter rains, to recreate an exotic scene.

 

Agave is an edible plant, used in Mexico to make mescal, an alcoholic beverage obtained by fermenting its juice rich in sugars. It is also used in traditional medicine in Mexico, Brazil, and India, and has proven antifungal properties. Very attractive to bees and nectar-seeking insects, the inflorescences attract many pollinators.

Agave parryi var. neomexicana in pictures

Agave parryi var. neomexicana (Foliage) Foliage
Agave parryi var. neomexicana (Plant habit) Plant habit

Flowering

Flowering time July to August
Inflorescence Panicle

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour grey or silver

Plant habit

Height at maturity 60 cm
Spread at maturity 60 cm
Growth rate slow

Botanical data

Genus

Agave

Species

parryi var. neomexicana

Family

Agavaceae

Origin

North America

Product reference832261

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Planting and care

Position in full, scorching sun on a slope or dry embankment. Plant in well-drained poor, rocky, limestone, sandy soil. It is remarkably hardy in dry soil. However, it does not tolerate an excess of humidity, common in clayey and heavy soils, combined with severe cold. Since it perfectly tolerates dry, even arid soils in summer, it is possible to dig a 50cm (20in) hole and fill it with a mixture of rocks and light soil. Plant the agave, ensuring its collar is isolated from stagnant water. A generous but spaced watering will suit it perfectly to help it establish itself. The drier the soil, the more it will resist frost, up to about -20°C (-4°F). To ensure excellent hardiness in open ground, place a rigid plastic sheet or a glass bell above the plant so that rainwater does not penetrate to the core during winter.

Cultivation in pots:

Since the plant has a fairly modest growth, it can be grown in a pot (preferably terracotta) on a terrace or balcony, in a light substrate such as cactus soil, with particularly careful drainage. It will then be easy to store the pot away from strong frosts and humidity, in a bright, airy, minimally heated space (between 0 -5°C (32 and 23°F)). Reduce or even stop watering in winter. The plant can spend April to October outdoors. When you take it out, gradually acclimatise it to the sun to avoid leaf burns. Place in partial shade for 2 to 3 weeks before facing full sun.

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Planting period

Best planting time April, October
Recommended planting time February to April, August to September

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Rockery
Type of use Border, Container, Slope
Hardiness Hardy down to -15°C (USDA zone 7b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 3 per m2
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Any
Soil type Chalky (poor, alkaline and well-drained), Stony (poor and well-drained)
Soil moisture Dry soil, Very well-drained, poor.

Care

Pruning instructions Cut the floral stems as they appear. Wear gloves and protect your eyes to clean up the old foliage at the end of winter and cut the black leaves close to the stem.
Pruning No pruning necessary
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
4,5/5
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