Agave parryi

This is possibly the best all round agave to grow outside in UK conditions and actually has something of a track record for being grown other than in the southwest.  It is tolerant of cold, down to -20°C it is said, and also wet - some forms grow in regions that have winter rainfall.  Although not a large plant, it is by far one of the prettiest with many different forms being in cultivation.  The type species has broad ,blue-green, glaucous leaves and grows into a densely leafed rosette - another globe artichoke - about 60cm across. ( 1999 )

• Agave parryi var cousei

This form is larger overall, and has fewer, thicker, more pointed leaves. ( 1999 )

•  Agave parryi var huachucensis

This form is possibly the prettiest and makes me sigh in admiration when I see pictures of large specimens - I have only seen one full-sized specimen in the flesh and that was sadly rather tatty - with very wide, blunt-tipped leaves that are even more 'globe artichoke'-like than the others.  This is the one that is normally seen pictured in RHS books under Agave parryi. ( 1999 )

• Agave parryi var truncata

This form has very broad but also extremely short leaves - sometimes broader than long - so the rosettes look even more squat and round.  Rarely seen, even more rarely offered for sale, absolutely gorgeous.