Beschorneria septentrionalis

Beschorneria septentrionalis is a beautiful botanical species native to the mountains of northeastern Mexico, named and described recently in 1988. The plant, with its narrow and flexible foliage arranged in a rosette, greatly resembles Beschorneria yuccoides. It is distinguished by its floral stem, more slender but equally spectacular, of a much brighter red-pink, and its foliage of a lighter, more vibrant green. Its growth is more modest, and its more northern origins give it better resistance to dry cold. This rhizomatous perennial plant develops a tall, very red inflorescence in summer, which seems to bend on one side under the weight of tubular flowers laden with nectar. Vigorous and adaptable, it is ideal for structuring a dry or Mediterranean garden.

Beschorneria septentrionalis is, despite its desert-like appearance, a magnificent and authentic perennial plant of edges and clear undergrowth, perfectly adaptable to our temperate climates not too cold. It originates from a mountainous and arid region located in northeastern Mexico, called the Eastern Sierra Madre, which dominates neighboring Texas. This botanical species of the Agave family is related to Yuccas, to which it bears resemblance, or even to the Tuberose. In nature, it is often found growing in sparse woods of oaks and pines, at high altitudes. This perennial succulent herbaceous plant has rhizomes capable of producing suckers, but is almost devoid of aerial stems. It forms a basal rosette, 50 to 70cm (20 to 28in) high and 50m (164ft) wide. The leaves, pointed, are evergreen, lanceolate, non-prickly. They are smooth, flexible, mature to a vibrant green colour, and show ends bent outward. The spectacular flowering takes place from May to August, depending on the year. The fleshy floral stem, of magenta red-pink colour, can reach a height of 1.50m (5ft) to 1.80m (6ft). Invariably arched towards the ground and facing south, it bears many tubular and trailing flowers that are both unusual and beautiful; the corolla, of a very bright green, discreet, is surrounded by very decorative red-pink bracts. This highly honey-producing and nectar-producing flowering attracts many pollinating insects. The plant is hardy down to -15°C (5°F) in perfectly well-draining soil. When the foliage is destroyed by frost, it regrows from the stump. This species has the ability to produce suckers that ensure its perenniality.

In regions not too cold, experiencing winters without excessive humidity, this Beschorneria is ideal for structuring a large rockery, an exotic bed or for brilliantly occupying the edge of an undergrowth, between the roots of old trees. It can be planted alone or associated on a dry slope with Agave americana, prickly pear, giant fennel, fairly hardy candle cacti (Cleistocactus strausii, Cylindropuntia imbricata) and Yucca rigida, very blue and equally undemanding. On the edge of the undergrowth, it will accompany Phlomis samia, Acanthus mollis, Dicliptera suberecta, and Digitalis lanata. Gardeners in cold and humid regions will install it in a very large pot on the terrace, right next to a giant Restio, choosing the most sheltered spot carefully, and in full sun. Beschorneria brings a lot of exoticism to the garden and requires very little maintenance. These plants can become invasive where they thrive.