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Agave parrasana 'FireBall' (Variegated Cabbage Head Agave) - This is the variegated form of the compact and solitary growing Agave parrassana that typically grows to 2 feet tall by about the same width. It has short broad waxy tightly overlapping leaves that are a pale blue-gray color and have large teeth toward the leaf apex and are highlighted by the thin cream marginal variegation that is striking when backlit. As with the species these teeth make striking imprints on the adjoining newer leaves' backside.
Plant in full sun in a well-drained soil and irrigate occasionally to rarely. Hardy to 15° F. A unique and interesting plant that agave collectors are particularly fond of.
This plant was named by Xeric World's Allen Raphasy, from whom we received this plant in 2007. Allen noted that he had acquired it unnamed from Mike Mahan who told him it was from a plant found in the wild that was naturally variegated. Allen named it 'FireBall' for "its tight, compact, rosette that appears to be on fire with its bright yellow variegated margin". By 2012 we had built up enough stock to begin selling it and we continued to do so before selling it out in 2024.
This information about Agave parrasana 'Fireball' displayed is based on research conducted in our horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also will relate observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments that we receive from others and we welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share any cultural information that would aid others in growing it.
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