Source: Wikimedia Commons
Agave parryi var. huachucensis
BeginnerAgave parryi var. huachucensis
A variety of Agave parryi: a tight, rounded rosette of short, broad grey leaves tipped with prominent brown spines. It suckers freely into clumps and is cold-hardy enough for garden planting.
About
Kisshoten is the Japanese name for Agave parryi var. huachucensis, also sold as 'Huachucensis'. A. parryi ranges from south-eastern Arizona and western New Mexico south to Chihuahua, and this variety, named after the Huachuca Mountains of southern Arizona, comes from the northern limit of that range. A US grower describes a compact rosette of short, broad grey leaves with prominent brown tip spines; single rosettes reach about 45 cm tall and 60 cm wide and sucker freely into dense clumps. Mature plants send up a 3-6 m flower spike with lemon-yellow, pink-tinged flowers in summer. The varieties of A. parryi are much confused, and some consider this plant the true var. parryi. It has long been grown in Japan; a Japanese gardening encyclopedia says 'Kissho Kan' arrived mixed in with imports of Kisshoten. Agave stricta (Japanese name Fukiage) is sometimes labelled Kisshoten in error, but its narrow radiating leaves look nothing like this plant. It is widely sold in Japan by garden centres and online shops.
Size of the Agave parryi var. huachucensis
The Agave parryi var. huachucensis grows to Each rosette about 45 cm tall and 60 cm wide, forming clumps.
Basic Info
Origin
Southern Arizona, USA (Huachuca Mountains area); A. parryi ranges from SE Arizona to Chihuahua, Mexico
Lifespan
The flowering rosette dies, but free suckering keeps the clump going
Size
Each rosette about 45 cm tall and 60 cm wide, forming clumps
Temperature
5〜40℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Light feeder; a little slow-release fertiliser in the growing season is enough
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Full sun; can be massed as a large-scale groundcover.
Watering
Very drought tolerant; plants in the ground need almost no watering. In pots, water after the mix dries.
Temperature & Winter
A US grower rates it to about -9°C; in mild areas it can winter in the ground.
Soil & Repotting
Free-draining mix. It suckers freely and is easy to divide.
Notes
The tip spines are stout and sharp. Other species such as A. stricta are sometimes sold as Kisshoten, so check for short, broad grey leaves.
Agave parryi var. huachucensis FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Agave parryi var. huachucensis?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow large does Agave parryi var. huachucensis get?
The mature size of Agave parryi var. huachucensis is Each rosette about 45 cm tall and 60 cm wide, forming clumps. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Agave parryi var. huachucensis?
Agave parryi var. huachucensis: watering & fertilizer — Light feeder; a little slow-release fertiliser in the growing season is enough. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Agave parryi var. huachucensis?
The price of Agave parryi var. huachucensis varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Primary sources
- Species+ (CITES) query for Agave parryi: not listed
- Ministry of the Environment, list of Invasive Alien Species (no Agave listed)
- San Marcos Growers: Agave parryi var. huachucensis
- Minna no Shumi no Engei (NHK Publishing) succulent encyclopedia: アガベ‘吉祥冠’（吉祥天との関係）
- PUKUBOOK succulent encyclopedia: ホーチエンシス
- GBIF
- POWO
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices, and not designated as an Invasive Alien Species or Uncategorized Alien Species under Japanese law.
Sources: Species+ (CITES) query for Agave parryi: not listed / Ministry of the Environment, list of Invasive Alien Species (no Agave listed)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Agave parryi var. huachucensis Listings
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