Choosing Planting

Hesperaloe - Red Yucca: Planting, Growing and Care

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Modified the Wednesday 21 May 2025 by Olivier 9 min. Difficulty: Beginner

Hesperaloe in a few words

Hesperaloe is a hardy perennial succulent, drought-resistant and native to the desert regions of the southern United States and Mexico.
It forms a dense clump of long, slender, incurved leaves, with spectacular flower spikes in summer.
Its tubular flowers, red or pink, attract as much attention as pollinators.
Quite hardy, Hesperaloe can withstand temperatures down to -15°C and thrives in full sun in well-drained soil.
Easy to maintain, it is ideal for dry gardens, rockeries and xeriscape landscapes.

Difficulty

Our expert's word

The Hesperaloe parviflora, sometimes called “red yucca” or “false yucca”, is a magnificent plant that deserves the attention of gardeners who love robust and ornamental species. Native to the desert regions of the southern United States and northern Mexico, this succulent perennial belongs to the Xanthorrhoeaceae family, like kniphofias or Eremurus, but especially aloes.

The genus Hesperaloe includes several species, but Hesperaloe parviflora is undoubtedly the most cultivated and popular. Its specific name, “parviflora”, meaning “small flower”, might raise a smile, because although its flowers are modest in size, their abundance and vibrant colour more than make up for it. In summer, the plant is covered with flower spikes reaching 1.5 to 2 metres in height, displaying breathtaking coral-red tubular flowers. These flowers don’t just charm the eye: they also attract hummingbirds (in their natural habitat!), bees and other pollinators, adding a lively dimension to the garden.

With its long, narrow, rigid and arching leaves, the coral yucca has a dense clumping habit, somewhat like a vegetal water jet. The evergreen foliage displays a bluish-green hue that stays fresh throughout the year. The leaf margins are sometimes adorned with white filaments, a delicate detail that recalls its kinship with Agaves and Yuccas, though it stands out with a more graceful appearance and easier cultivation.

Speaking of cultivation, adapted to dry, well-drained soils, it requires minimal water and prefers full sun exposure. In fact, the more light it gets, the happier it is. This plant also tolerates temperatures as low as -15°C in well-drained soil. Whether in a rockery, xerophytic garden or even in a pot on a sunny terrace, Hesperaloe parviflora thrives with surprising vigour. As a long-lived perennial, it can remain in place for years, providing permanent structure and repeated flowering to your garden.

In short, despite its distant origins and desert-like appearance, hesperaloes are perennials worth trying in (almost) any garden.

Written by
Olivier

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Botany and description

Botanical data

Latin name Hesperaloe parviflora
Family Xanthorrhoeaceae
Common name Red yucca, Coral yucca, False yucca
Flowering June to August
Height 120 cm
Sun exposure full sun
Soil type light and well-drained, even poor
Hardiness -15°C

Hesperaloe belongs to the Xanthorrhoeaceae family (like aloes, phormiums or even daylilies). The genus Hesperaloe is native to the desert regions of the southern United States and northern Mexico. It consists of seven species, including:

Hesperaloe parviflora: the most cultivated species, known for its long red or pink flower spikes.
Hesperaloe funifera: recognised for its filamentous leaves and cream-coloured flowers.
Hesperaloe campanulata: a rarer species with bell-shaped yellow flowers.

On the left, flowering of Hesperaloe funifera (© Anne Reeves), and on the right Hesperaloe parviflora: foliage (© Megan Hansen) and flowering.

In the wild, these plants grow in arid environments, mainly in deserts, rocky hills and dry prairies. They are well adapted to drought, thanks to their succulent leaves that store water and thrive in full sun in well-drained soils.

false yucca

The most cultivated species is Hesperaloe parviflora. The name “parviflora” means “small flower”, referring to the relatively modest size of its tubular flowers, although their abundance and vibrant colour make them very attractive. This species is highly prized for its minimal maintenance and great drought tolerance, making it a popular ornamental plant in dry gardens and rockeries. In addition to its drought resistance, Hesperaloe is also frost-tolerant, withstanding temperatures down to -15°C, in light, well-drained soils.

Common names for Hesperaloe parviflora include “red yucca”, “false yucca” or “coral yucca”, due to its resemblance to yuccas and the colour of its flowers.

Hesperaloe is an evergreen perennial plant distinguished by its dense, spreading clump habit. The plant forms a basal rosette of linear, slender leaves, which can reach between 60 cm and 1 metre in length, depending on the species. These leaves are often incurved, rigid and narrow, with dentate margins and sometimes adorned with white filaments. Their colour ranges from green to blue-green, and they retain their lustre throughout the year.

Hesperaloe parviflora: a very pronounced clump habit.

The root system of Hesperaloe consists of fleshy, deep roots, well adapted to capture water in arid soils. These roots allow the plant to withstand drought and stabilise itself in rocky or sandy terrain.

The flowering of Hesperaloe is one of its most remarkable traits. In summer (June to August), the plant produces long flower spikes that rise well above the foliage, occasionally reaching up to 1.5 to 2 metres in height. These spikes are covered with tubular flowers grouped in clusters, whose colour varies from bright red to pink, or yellow, depending on the species. The flowers attract many pollinators, including hummingbirds in their natural habitat and bees in our regions.

After flowering, Hesperaloe produces fruit capsules containing numerous small black seeds. These capsules dry and open to release the seeds, which can be harvested for propagation by sowing. The seeds are light and winged, allowing them to disperse with the wind in their natural habitat.

It should be noted that Hesperaloe is a long-lived perennial, capable of thriving for many years with minimal maintenance.

It’s worth highlighting that Hesperaloe is particularly prized for designing dry gardens, rockeries and xerophytic landscapes.

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Planting the hesperaloe

Where to plant?

Hesperaloe parviflora is a succulent plant ideal for dry, sunny gardens. Native to the southern United States and Mexico, it thrives in warm, arid climates but can also withstand cooler temperatures down to -15°C. To ensure optimal growth, choose a spot in full sun, as this plant loves direct light and tolerates intense heat well.

The soil should be well-drained, light, and low in organic matter. Sandy or gravelly soils are perfect, but if your soil is heavier, you can amend it with gravel to improve drainage. Avoid areas where water stagnates, as excess moisture can lead to root rot.

Hesperaloe thrives in rock gardens, dry gardens, or even in pots on a sunny terrace.

The stunning flowering of Hesperaloe parviflora.

When to plant?

Plant Hesperaloe parviflora in spring (March-April) or late summer (September) to allow it to establish roots before winter.

How to plant?

In the ground

Dig a hole about twice the size of the plant’s root ball. If your soil is heavy or clayey, mix gravel and compost into the excavated soil to improve drainage.
Place the plant in the centre of the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
Fill the hole with the soil and gravel mixture, lightly firming it down with your hands.
Water thoroughly after planting to help the plant establish and eliminate any air pockets between the roots and soil.

In pots

Choose a container wide and deep enough (at least 30 to 40 cm in diameter and depth) with a drainage hole.
Fill the bottom of the pot with a layer of gravel or clay pebbles to facilitate water drainage.
Use a well-draining substrate, such as cactus compost or potting soil mixed with sand.
Place the plant in the centre of the pot, adjusting the height of the root ball so its top sits slightly below the rim.
Fill the pot with substrate around the root ball, lightly firming it, then water moderately to aid rooting.
Position the pot in a sunny spot and allow the soil to dry out between waterings to avoid excess moisture.

→ Learn more in: Growing Hesperaloe in pots.

Care and maintenance

The maintenance of Hesperaloe parviflora is relatively simple, as it is a very hardy and undemanding plant.

Water it moderately during its growth period in spring and summer, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. In winter, reduce watering significantly, or even stop altogether, especially if the plant is grown outdoors.

The red false yucca does not require regular fertilisation, but you can give it some cactus fertiliser in early spring to encourage flowering. Fertiliser is more important if grown in a pot.

Prune the flower stalks once they have faded to encourage new flowering. Also remove dry or damaged leaves at the base of the plant to maintain a clean and healthy appearance.

Finally, if you grow Hesperaloe in a pot, remember to repot it every 2-3 years to refresh the substrate and provide more space for the roots.

Possible diseases and pests

Hesperaloe parviflora is generally a disease and pest-resistant plant, making it an excellent choice for dry, sunny gardens. However, it can be susceptible to a few issues, mainly related to excess moisture. Root rot is the main risk, especially if the plant is exposed to poorly drained soil or overwatering.

As for pests, Hesperaloe is rarely attacked, but it can sometimes be targeted by scale insects, particularly when grown indoors or in greenhouse conditions. Scale insects appear as small white cottony clusters on the leaves. To remove them, you can use a cloth soaked in 70% alcohol to wipe them off manually, or apply an organic insecticidal treatment based on neem oil if the infestation is more severe.

Propagation of Hesperaloe

Hesperaloes are mainly propagated by dividing clumps or by sowing.

For division, wait until the plant is well established, usually after several years of growth. In spring, carefully dig up the plant and separate the offsets or new shoots forming around the mother plant. Ensure each division has enough roots to establish itself. Replant these divisions immediately in well-drained soil or in pots and water moderately to aid rooting.

Propagation by sowing is also possible, though slower. Harvest the seeds after flowering and sow them in spring in a light, well-drained substrate. Keep the substrate slightly moist until germination, which may take several weeks. Once the young plants are sufficiently developed, you can transplant them into individual pots or directly into the ground.

Hesperaloe parviflora at the Denver Botanical Garden (USA) © Drew Avery: the plant benefits from clump division when it starts becoming too large.

Pairing Hesperaloe

To create a border around Hesperaloe parviflora ‘Rose des sables’, choose plants that highlight its slender foliage and spectacular flowering while respecting soil and sunlight conditions. As companions, consider clumps of Kniphofia ‘Banana Popsicle‘, also known as Red Hot Poker. This hardy perennial produces spikes of warm yellow flowers, creating a striking contrast with the Hesperaloe’s floral stems. Its long-lasting flowering and drought tolerance make it an excellent choice.

Among other flowering perennials, warm-toned blooms will echo the Hesperaloe’s flowering. Opt for Echinacea purpurea ‘Tomato Soup’, with large red-orange daisy-like flowers, and Achillea ‘Paprika’, featuring corymbs of small red-orange flowers with yellow centres. Peruvian lilies are rarely considered for open ground, but some are sufficiently hardy to withstand winter in well-drained soil: Alstroemeria aurantiaca is stunning with its yellow flowers tinged with orange.

A few clumps of Stipa tenuifolia, a light and graceful ornamental grass with soft green foliage, will add movement and texture to the border. Its feathery, soft appearance contrasts with the rigidity of other plants while maintaining harmony with the whole. In poor, dry soil and full sun, one of the most beautiful grasses in summer and autumn is undoubtedly Andropogon gerardii ‘Red October’ – absolutely worth trying!

planting ideas with red yucca hesperaloe

Hesperaloe parviflora, Alstroemeria aurantiaca, Kniphofia ‘Banana Popsicle’, Achillea millefolium ‘Paprika’, Stipa tenuifolia, Echinacea ‘Tomato Soup’ and Andropogon gerardii ‘Red October’.