A native of Texas and northern Mexico, this evergreen perennial is also called, coral yucca, samandoque, and yellow yucca. It is not a yucca but related to them and to aloe, as indicated by the genus name, Hesperaloe, which means “western aloe”. Soft long blue-green leaves with thread-like margins form an evergreen grass-like clump that is attractive to deer. In mid-summer five foot tall stems produce coral-red flowers attractive to bees, butterflies, and birds, including hummingbirds. Each plant is actually made up of rosettes with the oldest rosettes in the center with younger rosettes around it. Rosettes flowers only once but are replaced by the younger rosettes as the clump grows. The plant is drought and heat tolerant so is an excellent choice for xeric landscapes. Its flowers are good in arrangements.
Type: Evergreen succulent perennial
Bloom: Small coral flowers are produced on 5’ tall stems in mid summer.
Size: 3-4’ H x 2-3’ W
Light: Full sun; tolerates light shade
Soil: Moderate to poor fertility, dry to medium, well-drained; drought tolerant when established but appreciates light irrigation at bloom time.
Hardiness: Zones 5-10
Care: Low maintenance
Pests and Diseases: Scale; aphids when in bloom
Propagation: Division of offsets
Companion plants: Cactus, agaves, aloe, yucca.
