Plant of the Month – July
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Red Yucca,
Red Hesperaloe
Hesperaloe parviflora
- Plant Form: Evergreen succulent
- Water Use: Very Low
- Mature Size: 3 feet tall x 3-5 feet wide (flower spikes are 3-7 feet tall)
- Exposure: Full or reflected sun
- Bloom Time: Spring – Fall (March – Sept)
- Native to: W. Texas, NE Mexico
- Hardiness: Cold hardy to 0°F
Red Yucca is not actually a yucca, but a relative whose 2 to 3-foot-long, stiff leaves are thornless, making it a safer choice for pathways, borders, and drives than true yuccas. In fact, its small size makes it perfect as a focal point for smaller landscape islands and patios, as well as around the base of trees or lampposts. It works equally well as a groundcover, in rock gardens, or in containers. Besides its versatility, arching flower stalks from its symmetrical rosette of leaves provide an artistic shape with abundant coral to red flowers from late spring until fall. Its gray-green, grass-like leaves are edged with curling, white fibers. Red Yucca’s abundant flowers attract hummingbirds by day, and night-pollinating moths by moonlight. The only maintenance needed is cutting the spent flower stalks and protecting the plant from hungry rabbits.
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