Description
Agave parrasana commonly known as the ‘Cabbage Agave’ which really doesn’t do it justice as this agave is a spectacular plant with a very dense compact habit up to 60 cm in diameter the broad bluey grey leaves held tightly together like a giant lotus flower. If that’s not enough the leaves have a powdery bloom, showing the indentations of the leaf below like a ghostly fingerprint. Yes we really like Agave parrasana.
More good news for agave fans here is that parrasana shows remarkable hardiness and if kept dry in winter will tolerate temperatures down to minus 10 at least. A real candidate for planting outdoors as naturally in the wild Agave parrasana grows in North Eastern Mexico often high into the mountains often to height of 800 metres where conditions can be cool and damp.
The plants we offer are grown from seeds from the UK making these specimens even more resilient!
As with all agaves compost should be as free draining as possible especially around the base of the plant so add gravel or pebbles for maximum effect. I like to extend what is possible by building a temporary ‘roof’ over outdoor agave plants for winter protection by building a simple cover of corrugated clear plastic simply supported by 4 posts hammered into the ground just past the furthest reach of the leaves. This keeps the worst of the winter wet and frost off the the agave whilst allowing maximum air flow through the leaves. Of course with plants such as A. parrasana they can also be grown to full size as a container plant especially helpful if you live in a really cold spot as they can then be brought undercover during the winter months, enjoyed in a cool glasshouse or conservatory.
**Please note – many of our beautiful Agave are grown outdoors. This creates a beautiful, robust plant. It also means that occasionally, as you would expect in nature, there may be the occasional mark/scar on the odd leaf. This is of no detriment to the plant. Do remember – these are living things so the ideology of ‘perfection’ may need some application of reality**
Lee Ridehalgh (verified owner) –
First time customer making a test purchase….
Well impressed especially with packing. I will be buying bigger plants in future as I’m confident they will be received in good condition. Thanks