Red Yucca

Red Yucca, Hesperaloe

Not to be confused with true yuccas, Hesperaloe, called red yucca, is a staple in many landscapes in Texas and the southwest. Its grass-like spiky foliage and long spikes of pink, red, coral and yellow flowers area welcome surprise in locations often too inhospitably for other ornamental plants.

Growing

A Texas native, red yucca is extremely tough and tolerates a variety of soil conditions, drought, heat and cold. A well-draining soil is best because plants don’t tolerate soggy soil. Plant in full sun location for best performance. Can be used areas that do not receive supplemental irrigation and little maintenance.

Pruning is not needed, but the flower spikes can be removed when flowering is finished, and dead leaves can be removed as needed.

Tips

Red yucca looks great used in natural settings, with other native plants like Texas sage and perennial salvias. Blooming from May through October, use red yucca in areas where you may not have many other blooming plants or short-blooming perennials.

Recommended

Hesperaloe parviflora (red yucca) a Texas native, this stemless succulent produces clumps of arching grass-like foliage and tall spikes of flowers in summer. Several color variations available ranging from light red, to coral to yellow. Look for new cultivar Brakelights®, which offers up intense deep red flowers.

Features: Attractive succulent evergreen strap-like foliage, small edible flowers in range of colors produced on tall spikes.

Height: 3’-5’

Spread: 2’-4’

Hardiness zones: 5-11