Red Yucca is one of the most valuable flowering plants for drought-tolerant landscapes. Despite its common name, it is not a true yucca but a close relative that shares the same rugged durability. Native to Texas and northern Mexico, this evergreen succulent forms graceful clumps of narrow arching foliage and produces spectacular flower spikes covered with coral-red, pink, or salmon-colored tubular blooms.

The flowering stalks rise well above the foliage and can bloom continuously from late spring through fall, attracting hummingbirds in remarkable numbers. Its combination of beauty, toughness, and long bloom period has made Red Yucca one of the most widely planted xeriscape plants in the American Southwest.

• Botanical Name: Hesperaloe parviflora
• Common Names: Red Yucca, Red Hesperaloe, Coral Yucca
• Plant Type: Evergreen succulent perennial
• Mature Height: 2 to 4 feet
• Mature Spread: 3 to 5 feet
• Flower Stalk Height: 4 to 8 feet
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• USDA Zones: 5 to 11
• Flower Color: Coral-red, salmon, pink, occasionally yellow
• Foliage: Narrow blue-green arching leaves

Red Yucca is an outstanding choice for xeriscapes, rock gardens, Southwestern landscapes, median plantings, commercial landscapes, wildlife gardens, and water-wise borders.

Its graceful fountain-like habit softens hardscape features and contrasts beautifully with agaves, cacti, ornamental grasses, and native wildflowers.

Seeds germinate readily under warm conditions.

• Soak seeds in warm water for 12 to 24 hours.
• Sow approximately 1/4 inch deep.
• Use a well-drained cactus or succulent mix.
• Maintain temperatures between 70 and 85°F.
• Keep lightly moist until germination.
• Germination typically occurs within 2 to 6 weeks.

Red Yucca thrives in full sun and well-drained soils. Once established, it is exceptionally drought tolerant and requires very little supplemental irrigation.

The plant tolerates extreme heat, reflected sunlight, poor soils, and periods of drought that would challenge many other landscape plants.

Removing spent flower stalks can encourage additional blooming and maintain a tidy appearance.

Red Yucca performs exceptionally well in containers and large decorative planters. Its graceful foliage and prolonged flowering season make it an excellent choice for patios, courtyards, and entryways.

Use a fast-draining soil mix and allow the soil to dry between waterings.