New Mexico 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. neomexicana (New Mexico Agave) – A Drought-Tolerant Succulent for Arizona Landscapes

Agave parryi var. neomexicana, commonly known as the New Mexico Agave, is a striking succulent characterized by its dense, symmetrical rosettes of thick, blue-gray to green leaves. Each leaf is edged with dark spines and ends in a prominent terminal spine, adding a bold, architectural element to desert landscapes. This agave's compact form and attractive foliage make it a popular choice for ornamental gardens and xeriscaping.

Key Features of New Mexico Agave:

• Compact Rosette Form: The New Mexico Agave forms a dense, symmetrical rosette of thick leaves with sharp spines, creating a visually appealing and sculptural plant for any garden.
• Drought Tolerant: Adapted to the high-altitude regions of New Mexico, this agave thrives in arid and semi-arid climates, making it ideal for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and desert landscapes in Arizona.
• Flowering Event: When mature, the New Mexico Agave produces a tall flower spike with bright yellow flowers, attracting pollinators such as bees and birds. After flowering, the plant dies but often leaves behind offsets ("pups"), which can be replanted to continue the agave's presence in the garden.

Perfect for Xeriscaping and Water-Efficient Gardens

The New Mexico Agave is perfectly suited for xeriscaping and low-maintenance landscapes in Arizona. Its moderate size makes it an ideal plant for rock gardens or as a container specimen on patios or balconies. Once established, it requires minimal care and is highly drought-tolerant.

• Minimal Maintenance: This agave thrives in well-drained soil and prefers full sun to develop its best color and form, though it can also tolerate partial shade in hotter climates. Water sparingly once established, as it is highly adapted to dry environments.
• Versatile Use: Whether used in rock gardens, desert-themed landscapes, or containers, the New Mexico Agave adds a sculptural element and requires very little attention, making it an excellent choice for water-conscious gardeners.
• Cold Tolerant: Adapted to high-altitude environments, this agave is also cold-hardy, making it a versatile option for regions that experience cooler temperatures.

Why Choose New Mexico Agave for Your Arizona Garden?

• Drought Tolerant: Perfect for xeriscaping and low-water-use landscapes, the New Mexico Agave thrives in arid conditions with minimal water, making it ideal for Arizona’s dry climate.
• Striking Visual Appeal: The thick, blue-gray to green leaves with sharp spines create a bold, architectural focal point in any garden or container.
• Low-Maintenance: With its drought tolerance and minimal care requirements, this agave is an ideal choice for gardeners looking to create water-efficient landscapes.

Planting & Care Tips

The New Mexico Agave prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Water sparingly once established, as this plant is highly drought-tolerant. It can be grown in containers or as a striking feature in rock gardens and desert landscapes.

The New Mexico Agave is a stunning, low-maintenance succulent that brings both beauty and resilience to Arizona landscapes. Its drought tolerance, striking form, and minimal water requirements make it a valuable addition to xeriscaping, rock gardens, and water-efficient gardens in the Phoenix Valley.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): New Mexico 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 large rosette growth pattern
• 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: New Mexico Agave requires no staking and grows in a rosette shape with sharp, stiff leaves

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 5-6 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: New Mexico 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 of the root zone
• 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 frequency to every 10-14 days. In winter, reduce to every 4-6 weeks