Choosing planting

Hesperaloe - Red Yucca: planting, cultivation, and care

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Modified the 15 June 2025 by Olivier 9 min. Difficulty: Beginner

Hesperaloe in a nutshell

Hesperaloe is a hardy succulent perennial, 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 both the eye and 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 xerophytic landscapes.

Difficulty

The word from our expert

Hesperaloe parviflora, sometimes called “red yucca” or “false yucca”, is a stunning plant that deserves the attention of gardeners who appreciate robust and ornamental plants. Native to the desert regions of the southern United States and northern Mexico, this succulent perennial belongs to the family Xanthorrhoeaceae, like kniphofias and 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”, may bring a smile, as although its flowers are modest in size, their abundance and vibrant colour more than make up for this detail. In summer, the plant is covered in flower spikes that can reach heights of 1.5 to 2 metres, showcasing breathtaking coral-red tubular flowers. These flowers not only 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 presents a dense tufted habit, somewhat like a vegetative fountain. The evergreen foliage displays a bluish-green that remains fresh throughout the year. The leaf margins are sometimes adorned with white filaments, a delicate detail that hints at its relationship with Agaves and Yuccas, although it distinguishes itself with a more graceful appearance and easier cultivation.

Speaking of cultivation, well-suited to dry, well-drained soils, it requires minimal water and prefers full sun exposure. In fact, the more light it receives, the happier it is. This plant also tolerates temperatures down to -15°C in well-drained soil. Whether in a rock garden, a xerophytic garden, or even in a pot on a sunny terrace, Hesperaloe parviflora thrives with astonishing 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
Exposure Sun
Soil type Light and well-drained, even poor
Hardiness -15°C

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

Hesperaloe parviflora: the most cultivated species, known for its long floral spikes in red or pink.
Hesperaloe funifera: recognised for its filamentous leaves and cream 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, primarily in deserts, rocky hills, and dry meadows. They are well adapted to drought, thanks to their fleshy 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 valued 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 a perennial plant with evergreen foliage that stands out for its dense, spreading habit. The plant forms a basal rosette of linear, elongated 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 luster throughout the year.

Hesperaloe parviflora: a very pronounced tufted 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 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 floral spikes that rise well above the foliage, sometimes reaching heights of 1.5 to 2 metres. These spikes are covered with tubular flowers grouped in clusters, with colours ranging 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 gardens.

After flowering, Hesperaloe produces fruit capsules containing many 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 is worth noting that Hesperaloe is a long-lived perennial, capable of thriving for many years with minimal maintenance.

Hesperaloe is particularly prized for landscaping in dry gardens, rockeries, and xerophytic landscapes.

Our best varieties

Hesperaloe parviflora - Red Yucca

Hesperaloe parviflora is sometimes called Red Yucca due to its relation to yuccas and its striking flowering. It is an excellent plant for dry, even arid, conditions, capable of withstanding both drought and cold, and is one of the most beautiful representatives of the agave family.

Periodo di fioritura July to September
Altezza a maturità 1,20 m

Hesperaloe parviflora Rubra - Red Yucca

This Hesperaloe is a perennial with long evergreen leaves tinged with purple, gathered in rosettes, related to yuccas. Its summer flowering is spectacular, featuring long, slightly arching branched flower spikes adorned with small, pendulous tubular flowers of bright salmon-red along their length.

Periodo di fioritura July to September
Altezza a maturità 1,20 m

Hesperaloe parviflora Rose des Sables - Red Yucca

This variety is more compact and more floriferous than the typical species. It is a perennial with long evergreen leaves gathered in rosettes, belonging to the agave family, whose summer flowering in long branched flower spikes of bright salmon-pink is spectacular.

Periodo di fioritura July to September
Altezza a maturità 1 m

Planting 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 location 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 well 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, incorporate gravel and compost into the extracted soil to improve drainage.
Place the plant in the centre of the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
Then fill the hole with the soil and gravel mix, gently firming it with your hands.
Water well after planting to help the plant establish and eliminate any “air pockets” between the roots and the soil.

In a Pot

Choose a container that is 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 balls to facilitate water drainage.
Use a well-draining substrate, made of cactus compost or compost mixed with sand.
Place the plant in the centre of the pot, adjusting the height of the root ball so that its top is slightly below the rim of the pot.
Fill the pot with substrate around the root ball, gently firming it, then water moderately to aid rooting.
Place the pot in a sunny spot and allow the soil to dry between waterings to prevent excess moisture.

→ Learn more at: Growing Hesperaloe in a Pot.

Care and Maintenance

The care of Hesperaloe parviflora is relatively simple, as it is a very resilient and low-maintenance plant.

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

The red false-yucca does not require regular fertilisation, but you can provide a little cactus fertiliser at the beginning of spring to encourage flowering. Fertiliser is more important if you are growing it in a pot.

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

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

Diseases and potential pests

Hesperaloe parviflora is a plant generally resistant to diseases and pests, making it an excellent choice for dry, sunny gardens. However, it can be susceptible to a few issues, primarily 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 mealybugs, particularly in indoor growing conditions or under glass. Mealybugs appear as small cottony white 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 product based on neem oil if the infestation is more severe.

Multiplication of Hesperaloe

Multiplication of hesperaloes is primarily done by division of 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 that form around the mother plant. Ensure that each division has enough roots to establish itself. Immediately replant these divisions in well-drained soil or pots and water moderately to aid rooting.

Sowing is also possible, although 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 can take several weeks. Once the young plants are sufficiently developed, you can transplant them into individual pots or directly into the ground.

coral yucca Hesperaloe parviflora at the Denver botanical garden (USA) © Drew Avery: the plant deserves clump division when it starts to become too large.

Associate 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. To accompany it, consider a few clumps of Kniphofia ‘Banana Popsicle’, also known as Red Hot Poker; this perennial produces spikes of very warm yellow flowers, creating a striking contrast with the flower stems of the Hesperaloe. Its long-lasting flowering and drought tolerance make it an excellent choice.

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

A few small Stipa tenuifolia, a light and graceful grass with soft green foliage, will add movement and texture to the border. Its feathery and soft appearance contrasts with the rigidity of other plants while remaining harmonious with the overall design. In poor, dry soil and full sun, one of the most beautiful grasses in summer and autumn is undoubtedly Andropogon gerardii ‘Red October’: a must-try!

ideas for association with red yucca hesperaloe

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