SCIENTIFIC NAME: Hesperaloe parviflora

COMMON NAME: Red Yucca

GARDEN SIZE: Foliage 3-4 ft. tall and wide; flower spikes 4-6 ft. tall

GROWTH RATE: Moderate

USDA ZONE: 5 to 11

EXPOSURE: Full Sun

WATER & SOIL: Hesperaloe species thrive in dry, sandy, or gravelly soils and need excellent drainage. They are very drought-tolerant but bloom more vigorously with occasional deep watering during extended droughts.

HABIT (FORM): Clumping evergreen with tall flowering spikes

FOLIAGE: Evergreen, slender green grass-like foliage

FLOWERS: Deep rose-pink flowers on tall spikes from early summer; blooms nearly year-round in warm winter regions

PLANT ORIGIN: Found in Texas

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: May provide some nesting sites and shelter for birds and small mammals, but does not serve as much of a host for local insects and wildlife. May provide food for insects in the spring.

FERTILIZING: Hesperaloe benefits from a single application of compost or a low-nitrogen fertilizer in spring. Avoid heavy feeding, which can reduce bloom quality and stress the plant.

PRUNING: Very low-maintenance. Remove spent flower stalks and any dead or damaged leaves as needed, typically in late winter or early spring. Trunk-forming species may have dead leaves trimmed for a cleaner appearance.

TOXICITY: Generally considered mildy to moderately toxic to humans and pets.

USES: Excellent as architectural accents, borders, or container specimens. Ideal for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and pollinator-friendly landscapes, with striking blooms and bold evergreen foliage that provide year-round interest.