Beschorneria albiflora

Beschorneria albiflora is the only species of the genus capable of forming a small trunk, called a stipe. It is much rarer in cultivation than its cousin, the Beschorneria yuccoides, but it should adapt to most warm temperate climates. Adult plants form a kind of small palm tree, with a crown of large, shiny, and flexible leaves. From the heart of this foliage a spectacular, pinkish-red, arched inflorescence emerges, adorned with tubular and pendulous white-pink flowers with fine red bracts. This tender plant is sensitive to winter moisture. It requires well-drained soil and will thrive in full sun on a terrace, in a rock garden, or in a light and dry understory among the roots of old trees.

This magnificent Beschorneria albiflora grows in the Mexican states of Oaxaca and Chiapas, specifically on steep rocky slopes in humid oak forests at an altitude of 2000 m. The species is sometimes given as a synonym for Beschorneria chiapensis. It is a perennial rhizomatous plant that forms a trunk reaching up to 80 cm in height after several years. At its tip, a crown of large, long, glossy, pointed, non-rough leaves elegantly curves towards the ground. Adult plants produce an upright and arched, pinkish-red inflorescence that can reach up to 3 m from the ground under favourable conditions. It bears numerous unusual and delicate tubular and trailing flowers; the white corolla turns pink and is surrounded by decorative fine red bracts. This nectar-rich flowering attracts many pollinating insects. After pollination, capsules containing seeds are formed. This species also produces bulblets on its flower stalk. They can be harvested and replanted to obtain new subjects identical to the mother plant. The crown is hardy down to -8/-9°C in well-drained soil, but its foliage can suffer damage from -5°C.

In mild climates, Beschorneria albiflora is ideal for structuring a large rock garden, an exotic bed, or in rows to add an exotic touch to the edge of an understory, among the roots of old trees. It can be planted as a solitary specimen or combined on a slope with Agave americana 'Variegata' or the giant fennel (Ferula communis) for example. In the understory, it will also accompany Bear's Breeches (Acanthus mollis) and the Woolly Foxglove (Digitalis lanata). Gardeners in colder regions can plant it in a very large pot on the terrace, right next to a dwarf banana tree, carefully choosing the most sheltered and sunny spot.