Hesperaloe parviflora (Red Yucca)
Hesperaloe parviflora (Red Yucca) is a yucca-like evergreen perennial succulent forming a rosette of thin, arching, sword-like, blue-green leaves, 2-3 ft. long (60-90 cm). Unlike yucca, the leaves are spineless, and have fibrous threads along their edges. In cold weather and drought, the foliage takes on purple or reddish-bronze tints. Slender branched stalks, up to 5 ft. tall (150 cm), bearing bell-shaped coral red to pink flowers rise well above the foliage from late spring through midsummer, sometimes into fall. They provide a festive display and are favored by hummingbirds. Exceedingly tough, heat and drought tolerant, Hesperaloe parviflora is also very cold hardy and can be grown in USDA Zone 6. It requires no attention or supplemental irrigation once established. Plant as an accent or group in desert gardens, rock gardens, along paths. Place it where the sun backlights its flamboyant flowers and striking form.
- Grows up to 3-5 ft. high (90-150 cm) and 4-6 ft. wide (120-180 cm). Will self-seed in the garden.
- Performs best in sandy, dry, sharply drained soils in full sun.
- Great for beds and borders, city gardens, rock gardens, Mediterranean gardens or containers
- No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for aphids and scales. Butterflies, hummingbirds love this plant – deer too!
- Propagate by division.
- Native to southwestern Texas, Mexico.
Requirements
Hardiness | 6 – 11 |
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Heat Zones | 6 – 8 |
Climate Zones | 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Cactus – Succulents, Perennials |
Plant Family | Yucca |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall |
Height | 3' – 5' (90cm – 150cm) |
Spread | 4' – 6' (120cm – 180cm) |
Spacing | 60″ – 72″ (150cm – 180cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Native Plants | United States, Southwest, Texas |
Tolerance | Drought, Dry Soil |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden |