Red Yucca
Hesperaloe parviflora
A stemless evergreen succulent with arching, grass-like blue-green leaves that have white fraying fibers along the edges. It produces tall, slender stalks with tubular red or coral flowers.
- Light
- Full sun (6+ hours per day) for best blooming, but can tolerate light shade.
- Water
- Very low; drought-tolerant. Water every 2-3 weeks in summer if no rain. Over-watering causes yellowing and root rot.
- Growth
- Perennial succulent forming a clump. Reaches 2-3 feet tall/wide, with flower spikes reaching up to 5 feet.
Care instructions
Low-maintenance. Plant in full sun with well-draining soil. Water sparingly once established; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. No heavy fertilization required.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun (6+ hours per day) for best blooming, but can tolerate light shade.
Watering
Very low; drought-tolerant. Water every 2-3 weeks in summer if no rain. Over-watering causes yellowing and root rot.
Soil
Well-drained sandy or gravelly soil; adaptable to various pH levels but prefers slightly alkaline.
Hardiness zone
Zones 5 to 10; very heat and cold tolerant.
Growth habit
Perennial succulent forming a clump. Reaches 2-3 feet tall/wide, with flower spikes reaching up to 5 feet.
Bloom season
Spring through mid-summer; produces spikes of tubular, coral-red to pink flowers that attract hummingbirds.
Propagation
Easily propagated by seed or by dividing the offsets (pups) from the base of the parent plant in spring.
Common pests & issues
Aphids on flower stalks and root rot in damp, heavy soils. Scale insects may occasionally occur.
Similar species
Yucca filamentosa (Adam's Needle) has wider, stiffer leaves and white flowers. Aloe species have fleshier leaves with spines.