Agave parviflora [Ruby, AZ]

Variegated leaves with marginal hairs. 8" rosettes. Hardy to 10F.

Ruby, AZ. A jewel-like miniature agave from the dry grasslands of southern Arizona and adjacent Sonora, a habitat that includes Dasylirion wheeleri and the famed Opuntia violacea v. santa rita, and a rich area where we have selected forms of heucheras, Zauschneria arizonica, and numerous desert ferns. Rosettes of only 6- 8", with narrow leaves, deep green marked white, and curled filifers that make it an intriguing plant for container or garden. The flowering stalks are tall and narrow; the unusual, creamy flowers tinted red, make hummingbirds very happy. Provide excellent drainage in bright light to only the lightest of shade for best form. The habitat has dry winters and thunderstorm laden summers so these plants are best well watered in summer and kept dry in winter, though plants in our Portland garden have been quite happy for some years in a stone wall with no cover. Frost hardy from 0 - 10 °F, USDA zone 7; colder if kept winter dry.