High Country Gardens
Parry's Century Plant (Agave)
Best low-maintenance succulent for gardeners in arid, cold-winter climates.
Discover the Parry's Century Plant, a remarkably cold-hardy Agave parryi from High Country Gardens, originating from Arizona's high-altitude deserts. This slow-growing perennial boasts striking silver-gray foliage forming an attractive rosette, reaching up to 30 inches wide. It thrives in full sun and lean, well-drained soil, making it exceptionally drought-tolerant and waterwise. Over time, it rewards with a spectacular 12-foot candelabra bloom stalk, attracting hummingbirds. Ideal for hot, dry climates and rock gardens, it's a resilient and beautiful addition to any landscape.
$19.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
864
/ 3268
#864 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-28%
Below average
Hardiness Zones
510
/ -
Who it's for
- Eco-conscious homeowners prioritizing water-wise xeriscaping
- Gardeners in high-altitude regions with freezing winters
- Designers seeking a modern, sculptural focal point
Who should skip it
- Impatient landscapers wanting immediate, full-sized results
- Gardeners seeking a permanent, non-replacing landscape feature
- Families with small children or pets near walkways
Performance breakdown
Cold Hardiness
Survives freezing temperatures that would kill most other agave varieties.
Drought Tolerance
Thrives in arid conditions with minimal supplemental irrigation required.
Visual Impact
Striking silver-gray rosette provides architectural structure throughout the entire year.
Pollinator Appeal
The massive bloom stalk acts as a magnet for local hummingbirds.
Pest Resistance
Natural defenses effectively deter deer and rabbits from grazing.
Maintenance Ease
Slow growth and low water needs make this a set-and-forget plant.
Key Specs
Hardiness Zones
5-10
Mature Height
18 inches
Mature Spread
18-30 inches wide
Ships As
Potted Plant (2.5" Pot)
Soil Moisture Tolerance
Waterwise (Xeric)
Native To
North America
Propagation
Seed-grown
Life Cycle
Perennial
Features
- Exceptionally cold hardy for an Agave
- Striking silver-gray rosette
- Drought resistant and waterwise
- Attracts hummingbirds
- Provides excellent winter interest
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Evergreen foliage
- Ideal for rock gardens and slopes
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Parry's Agave upon delivery. Reviewers frequently note how robust and healthy the plants are, often exceeding expectations for mail order specimens. A major theme is the plant's reliable hardiness, successfully establishing itself even in challenging, high desert environments. This resilience confirms its reputation as a valuable, low maintenance addition to xeriscapes, making the purchase feel worthwhile.
Know before you buy
This Agave is exceptionally cold-hardy for its species, thriving in USDA zones 5 through 10. It is specifically adapted to high-altitude desert climates, making it one of the most resilient options for gardeners in colder regions.
Very little. As a xeric, waterwise plant, it requires minimal supplemental watering once established and does not need regular pruning. Its slow growth habit also means it won't quickly outgrow its space.
The Parry's Century Plant is naturally resistant to deer and rabbits, making it a great choice for areas where these animals are a nuisance. While it doesn't attract common garden pests, its spectacular summer bloom stalk is a magnet for hummingbirds.
Excellent drainage is the most critical requirement for this Agave. It performs best in lean, rocky, or sandy soils; avoid planting it in heavy clay or areas where water tends to pool, as this can lead to root rot.
No, this plant is not considered pet-safe. Like many Agave species, it contains compounds that can be irritating if ingested, and the foliage features sharp tips that can pose a physical risk to curious animals.
While the plant grows to about 18 inches in height, the rosette can spread up to 30 inches wide. Be sure to provide enough clearance from walkways or other plants to accommodate its mature width and its eventual, much taller bloom stalk.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$20