Huachuca Agave (Agave parryi var. huachucensis) – Blue-Gray Compact Succulent – Cold Hardy Plant -Seed Grown in Elfin Forest, CA

🌿 Description

Agave parryi var. huachucensis, commonly called the Huachuca Agave, is a compact, beautifully symmetrical agave known for its tight rosette of broad, blue-gray leaves tipped with brown to nearly black spines. Each plant forms a dense, geometric shape that remains striking year-round — a true centerpiece for rock gardens, desert landscapes, or containers.

There is considerable confusion surrounding the many forms of Agave parryi. Some experts believe that A. parryi var. huachucensis is actually the true A. parryi var. parryi — and they may be correct — but this form has long been grown and admired in California under the name Huachuca Agave. 

Each plant in our nursery is seed-grown, not propagated from cuttings — a rarity for this species — producing vigorous, uniform plants.

✅ Description Highlights
• Seed-grown, not cutting propagated (rare for this species)
• Compact rosette with broad, blue-gray leaves and black-tipped spines
• Distinctive spines: red/brown when young, darkening with age
• Cold hardy: tolerates temperatures down to ~10°F (-12°C)
• Growth habit: Dense, symmetrical rosette reaching 1–2 ft tall and wide
• Excellent for collectors and cold-hardy landscapes
• Origin: Grown in Elfin Forest, California

🛠️ Basic Care
• Light: Full sun for compact form and rich coloration
• Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; minimal water in winter
• Soil: Use well-draining cactus/succulent mix or sandy soil
• Grow Habit (Dormancy): Slow-growing; dormant in winter
• Hardiness: Down to ~10°F (-12°C); USDA Zones 7–11
• Toxicity: Non-toxic, but spines are sharp — handle carefully
• Fertilizer: Optional — apply diluted cactus fertilizer in spring

Additional Information
With its tight rosette structure and steel-blue foliage, Agave parryi var. huachucensis adds strong architectural interest to any garden or collection. Its resilience to cold and drought makes it ideal for low-maintenance landscapes. Seed-grown plants are hardy and adapt well to varied climates. Each plant is shipped in its nursery pot, similar to the specimens shown in the photos.

📦 Shipping & Guarantee

We are currently unable to ship live plants with soil to Florida or Hawaii due to regulations.

We offer a flat shipping rate of $10 per order, no matter how many plants / cuttings you purchase. All orders are shipped via USPS Priority Mail, which typically arrives in 1–3 business days. If you would like to upgrade to Express, just send us a message before checking out.

Cuttings are packed carefully to ensure they arrive healthy and intact.

Please message us within 24 hours of delivery with a photo if there are any issues with your order. We’ll do our best to make it right.

Please Note: Each plant is unique and may vary slightly in size, shape, and color. Growth and performance after delivery depend on your care and environment, so we cannot guarantee plant performance beyond arrival.