SCIENTIFIC NAME: Hesperaloe x funifera 'Little Giant' (PPAF)

COMMON NAME: Little Giant Hesperaloe

GARDEN SIZE: 4 ft. tall and wide; flower stalks up to 7 ft. tall

GROWTH RATE: Moderate

USDA ZONE: 6 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): Dense, clumping rosette

FOLIAGE: Evergreen, green sword-shaped, spineless leaves with white thread-like margins

FLOWERS: Matte pink stalks bearing bright pink blooms from spring through summer

PLANT ORIGIN: Hybrid

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.