Red Yucca Plants

Hesperaloe parviflora

• A native to southwestern Texas, Arizona and northern Mexico, hesperaloe parviflora grows in clumps up to 3 or 4 inches in width. The plant sports dense and very narrow sword-like leaves resembling a fountain. A long spike, reaching up to 9 feet in height, features pinkish red or yellow flowers that bloom from April through November. The bell-shaped flowers grow to 1.25 inches in length in clusters of flowers that reach up to 4 feet in height. In milder climates, red yucca blooms more than once each year. The plant attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Deer do not find the plant very inviting. Hesperaloe parviflora requires almost no maintenance except for removing old flower spikes to keep the plant looking tidy. The plant takes a while to grow, but once it matures, it keeps blooming year after year. Divide large clumps in late winter, then replant in containers or directly in the garden to produce new plants.

Hesperaloe funifera

• Hesperaloe funifera is a close relative of red yucca with the plant currently being tested for use as a crop by University of Arizona researchers. Hesperaloe funifera grows to a larger size than hesperaloe parviflora, producing long, thin fibers in its leaves that may be used to create exceedingly strong paper. The plant grows up to 15 feet in height with creamy white flowers appearing on the end of long stems that stand high above the thin, narrow leaves. The plant originally comes from one location in the Trans-Pecos area of Mexico. Hesperaloe funifera grows well in sand, clay or other heavy soils, although it requires well-drained soil. The plant needs little maintenance and is highly tolerant of alkali soil.

About the Agave Family

• As a member of the agave family, hesperaloe plants fall into a family with more than 300 species. Unlike most agave species, red yucca blooms each year while many agave plants bloom just a few times during their entire life. The fiber from the leaves of some agave species was used by Native Americans to make clothing and rugs.