• Agave parryi var. truncata succulent with silver-gray leaves and pointed tips surrounded by rocks and gravel
  • Agave truncata succulent plant with thick blue-green leaves and sharp brown spines in rocky soil
  • Agave plant with thick blue-green leaves and sharp brown tips growing in rocky soil
  • Agave truncata succulent with thick blue-green leaves and brown spines growing in rocky soil
  • Agave truncata plant with thick blue-green leaves and sharp brown tips in rocky soil
  • Agave truncata succulent plant with thick blue-green leaves and brown spines in dry rocky soil
  • Agave truncata succulent plant with spiky blue-green leaves growing in rocky dry soil
  • Agave truncata succulent plant with thick blue-green leaves and sharp brown spines in rocky soil
  • Agave truncata plant with thick blue-green leaves and sharp brown spines, growing in rocky soil
1 9

Bonte Farm

Agave parryi var. truncata: Artichoke Agave, Cold Hardy, Compact Blue Succulent for Drought-Tolerant Gardens

Agave parryi var. truncata: Artichoke Agave, Cold Hardy, Compact Blue Succulent for Drought-Tolerant Gardens

$29.99 USD
$29.99 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Size

🌵 Agave parryi var. truncata: A Sculptural Succulent

The Agave parryi var. truncata, commonly known as the Artichoke Agave, is one of the most highly sought-after and cold-hardy varieties of the genus Agave.2 Native to the Chihuahuan Desert regions of North America, this succulent forms a spectacularly symmetrical rosette that closely resembles a perfectly opened artichoke—hence its common name.3 The leaves are remarkably compact and broad, ending abruptly (hence truncata), giving the plant a stunningly geometric, spherical appearance.4

The foliage is a beautiful, powdery steel-blue or gray-blue, often developing a reddish tint on the terminal spines. Prized by landscape designers for its architectural form and minimal water needs, the Agave truncata is a slow-growing, low-maintenance specimen that provides year-round structure and high visual impact.5 It is exceptionally resilient, tolerating intense heat, bright sun, and cold temperatures better than many other Agave species, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and rock gardens across a wide range of climates.

Botanical Characteristics

Characteristic

Detail

Scientific Name

Agave parryi var. truncata (Variety of Parry's Agave)

Common Names

Artichoke Agave, Dwarf Parry's Agave, Century Plant (common for all Agave)

Growth Habit

A solitary, slow-growing, clumping succulent that forms a perfectly symmetrical, spherical rosette.

Foliage

Broad, thick, rigid leaves with a chalky, steel-blue to gray-blue color, ending in a sharp, dark terminal spine.

Flowers

Monocarpic (flowers once then dies): sends up a tall, striking bloom stalk with creamy-yellow flowers after many years.

Bloom Cycle

Monocarpic—blooms only once after 10–25 years, a spectacular event followed by the death of the main rosette.

Special Features

Excellent architectural form and among the most cold-tolerant of the genus.

Mature Size

The Agave parryi var. truncata is a compact and manageable size, making it versatile for small gardens or containers.6

  • Height: Typically reaches 1.5–2 feet (0.45–0.6 meters) tall.
  • Spread: Achieves a nearly equal spread of 1.5–2.5 feet (0.45–0.75 meters) wide.
  • Its dwarf, mounding form makes it ideal for borders, mass planting, or as a patio feature.

USDA Hardiness Zone

This variety is famous for its extreme cold tolerance, thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 7–11.7 It can reliably withstand temperatures as low as 5°F (-15°C), provided the soil remains dry.

Cultivation and Care

Aspect

Care Instructions

Sunlight

Requires full sun to maintain a tight, compact rosette and best color. Tolerates high heat well.

Soil

Essential: Needs extremely well-drained, gritty, or sandy soil. Excellent drainage is critical for cold hardiness.

Water

Highly drought-tolerant. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce or stop watering in winter.

Fertilizer

Rarely needs fertilizing. If desired, use a slow-release, low-nitrogen granular fertilizer in early spring.

Pruning

Only requires the removal of old, dead lower leaves, which should be done by cleanly cutting them away at the base.

Landscape Use

  • Xeriscape/Desert Garden: A cornerstone plant for water-wise landscapes and fire-wise design.8
  • Architectural Specimen: Used as a powerful focal point due to its perfect symmetry and dramatic form.9
  • Rock Gardens: Excellent for planting among rocks and gravel where sharp drainage is guaranteed.
  • Containers: Ideal for large pots, where its controlled size and beauty can be displayed close up.
  • Slope Stabilization: Effective on dry, sunny slopes due to its fibrous root system and minimal maintenance.10

Wildlife Attraction

While the magnificent mature bloom stalk attracts hummingbirds and bats with its abundant nectar, the primary rosettes are deer and rabbit resistant due to their tough, spiny leaves. The dense form provides minimal interest for common pests.

Pest and Disease Resistance

Agave parryi var. truncata is a very tough plant with excellent resistance.11 The main threat is the Agave Snout Weevil (Scyphophorus acupunctatus), which is rare but fatal. The best defense against this pest, and the only common disease (root rot), is ensuring perfect drainage and avoiding overwatering, especially during winter dormancy.

Propagation

This Artichoke Agave typically forms offsets (pups) very slowly, if at all, which is part of what makes it prized for its solitary form. The most common method of propagation is from seed, which will produce genetic variation. To clone the desired variety, tissue culture is often used commercially. The rare bloom stalk produces bulbils (small plantlets) which can also be removed and grown once the main plant dies.

View full details