Intermediate
skill rating
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Agave parrasana (Cabbage head agave )
2 hours care
per year
per year
0.6m
Max height
Max height
0.6m
Max spread
Max spread
5-10 years
To maturity
To maturity
Low
Toxicity
Toxicity
Plant details
Botanical name
Agave parrasana
Other names
Cabbage head agave , Cabbage head century plant, Agave wislizenii
Genus
Agave Agave
Species
A. parrasana - A. parrasana is a compact, borderline hardy, evergreen, perennial succulent forming a dense rosette of thick, rigid, sharp-tipped, broadly ovate, blue-grey leaves with spiny marginal teeth creating imprints on the inner leaves. Mature plants form a thick, sturdy stem bearing dense clusters of red buds opening to bright yellow flowers in summer.
Agave parrasana is: Evergreen
Habit
Compact, Erect flower stem, Rosette
Toxicity
Plant produces numerous spiny teeth. Use extreme caution and protection when handling.
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
Flower
Bright-yellow in Summer
Foliage
Blue-green, Grey in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Scale insects Scale insects
Diseases
Vulnerable to chlorosis resulting from magnesium deficiency.
General care
Propagation
A solitary agave, this plant does not produce offsets or pups.
Propagation methods
Seed
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Where to grow
Agave parrasana (Cabbage head agave ) will reach a height of 0.6m and a spread of 0.6m after 5-10 years.
Suggested uses
Mediterranean, Low Maintenance, Indoor, Gravel, Drought Tolerant, Containers, Conservatory, City, Architectural, Sub-Tropical
Cultivation
Grow under glass in cactus compost in bright, filtered light. Water freely in growth & feed every 3-4 weeks with a balanced liquid feed. Keep almost dry in winter. Outdoors in frost-free areas, grow in slightly acid to neutral, sharply drained soil in full sun. Drought tolerant. Only flowers when mature. Leaves turn shades or orange, red, and purple when flowering. Monocarpic, so the plant dies after flowering.
Soil type
Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3), Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
Botanical name
Agave parrasana
Other names
Cabbage head agave , Cabbage head century plant, Agave wislizenii
Genus
Agave Agave
Species
A. parrasana - A. parrasana is a compact, borderline hardy, evergreen, perennial succulent forming a dense rosette of thick, rigid, sharp-tipped, broadly ovate, blue-grey leaves with spiny marginal teeth creating imprints on the inner leaves. Mature plants form a thick, sturdy stem bearing dense clusters of red buds opening to bright yellow flowers in summer.
Native to
Mexico
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Compact, Erect flower stem, Rosette
Toxicity
Plant produces numerous spiny teeth. Use extreme caution and protection when handling.
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
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Colour
Flower
Bright-yellow in Summer
Foliage
Blue-green, Grey in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Diseases
Vulnerable to chlorosis resulting from magnesium deficiency.
General care
Propagation
A solitary agave, this plant does not produce offsets or pups.
Propagation methods
Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Agave parrasana (Cabbage head agave ) will reach a height of 0.6m and a spread of 0.6m after 5-10 years.
Suggested uses
Mediterranean, Low Maintenance, Indoor, Gravel, Drought Tolerant, Containers, Conservatory, City, Architectural, Sub-Tropical
Cultivation
Grow under glass in cactus compost in bright, filtered light. Water freely in growth & feed every 3-4 weeks with a balanced liquid feed. Keep almost dry in winter. Outdoors in frost-free areas, grow in slightly acid to neutral, sharply drained soil in full sun. Drought tolerant. Only flowers when mature. Leaves turn shades or orange, red, and purple when flowering. Monocarpic, so the plant dies after flowering.
Soil type
Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3), Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Tender in frost (H3), Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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