Red Yucca

Despite its common name, Hesperaloe parviflora is not a true yucca but is a member of the agave family. It forms a dense, grass-like clump of narrow, arching, leathery leaves with distinctive fraying white threads along the margins. This evergreen succulent is highly valued for its long-lasting, tube-shaped flowers in shades of coral-red to rose, which appear on tall, slender spikes throughout the summer. It is incredibly drought-tolerant and can cope well with the UK's fluctuating temperatures, provided it has impeccable drainage. In the UK, it is best grown in a hot, sunny border or as a focal point in a gravel garden. It is a slow-growing plant that requires patience but rewards the gardener with a unique architectural form and elegant blooms. It is generally resistant to the pests and diseases that affect more traditional garden perennials, and its structural foliage remains attractive even through the winter.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Sharply drained, sandy soil.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.