Huachuca Agave

Plant Type: Agaves
Plant Height: 1-2 feet
Spread: 2-3 feet
Flower Color: yellow
Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Shade

Agave parryi var. huachucensis (Huachuca Agave) – A Compact, Drought-Tolerant Succulent for Arizona Landscapes

Agave parryi var. huachucensis, commonly known as Huachuca Agave, is a striking succulent that forms compact, symmetrical rosettes of thick, blue-green leaves. The leaves are shorter and wider than the typical Agave parryi, with dark spines along the edges, creating a visually appealing and sculptural addition to xeriscape gardens and desert landscapes.

Key Features of Huachuca Agave:

• Compact, Rounded Rosette: The dense, rounded rosettes of Huachuca Agave feature thick, blue-green leaves edged with dark spines, giving it a bold, architectural appearance. Its compact form makes it ideal for container gardening and small garden spaces.
• Adapted to Arid Conditions: Native to the Huachuca Mountains in Arizona, this agave thrives in rocky, mountainous terrain and is highly drought-tolerant, making it perfect for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and water-efficient landscapes.
• Flowering Event: When mature, the Huachuca Agave produces a tall flower spike, often reaching several feet in height, with bright yellow flowers that attract pollinators like bees and birds. After flowering, the plant typically dies but produces offsets ("pups") that can be replanted.

Perfect for Xeriscaping and Water-Efficient Gardens

The Huachuca Agave is ideal for xeriscaping and drought-tolerant landscapes in Arizona. Its compact size and unique foliage make it a standout in rock gardens or as a patio feature in containers. Once established, it requires minimal maintenance, making it a great choice for low-water-use gardens.

• Minimal Maintenance: This agave thrives in well-drained soil and prefers full sun to develop its best form and color, though it can tolerate some shade in hotter climates. Once established, it needs only occasional watering, making it an excellent option for water-conscious gardeners.
• Versatile Use: The Huachuca Agave is perfect for rock gardens, desert-themed landscapes, or as a striking container plant on patios or balconies.
• Cold Tolerant: This agave variant is well-adapted to higher elevations and can tolerate colder temperatures compared to other agaves, making it versatile for a range of climates.

Why Choose Huachuca Agave for Your Arizona Garden?

• Drought Tolerant: Perfect for xeriscaping and low-water-use landscapes, the Huachuca Agave thrives in arid environments with minimal water, making it ideal for Arizona’s dry climate.
• Striking Visual Appeal: The compact, rounded form and blue-green leaves with dark spines create a bold, architectural focal point in any garden or container.
• Low-Maintenance: With its drought tolerance and minimal water requirements, this agave is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a water-wise, low-maintenance plant.

Planting & Care Tips

The Huachuca Agave prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Water sparingly once established, as this plant is highly drought-tolerant. It can also be grown in containers for areas with colder winters, offering flexibility in placement and protection from extreme conditions.

The Huachuca Agave is a striking, low-maintenance succulent that adds both beauty and resilience to Arizona landscapes. Its drought tolerance, compact form, and minimal water requirements make it an ideal choice for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and container plantings in the Phoenix Valley.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Huachuca Agave

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 3-4 feet apart for optimal growth and to allow for their rosette formation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Huachuca Agave requires no staking and grows into a dense rosette of blue-green leaves

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 4-5 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1-2 inches of water per session to ensure deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Huachuca Agave is considered established after 3-4 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 14-21 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 10-14 days. Provide 2-3 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 4-6 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 18-24 inches away from the base of the agave to ensure deep watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering to every 10-14 days. In winter, reduce to every 4-6 weeks