Red Yucca Plant - Desert Beauty

Hesperaloe parviflora, also known as Red Yucca or Coral Yucca, is a striking, low-maintenance succulent native to the Chihuahuan Desert in Northern Mexico, covering a large portion of the state of Chihuahua, along with portions of Coahuila, north-eastern Durango, the extreme northern part of Zacatecas and small western portions of Nuevo León.  The Chihuahuan Desert is also the largest desert in North America, spanning parts of the Southwestern United States in parts of Texas, New Mexico and Arizona.

Care of Plant:

The plants are very drought and heat tolerant once established.

Its drought tolerance and minimal care needs make it a great plant for xeriscaping, contemporary landscapes, and low-water gardens.

Red Yucca thrives in at least 6-8 hours full sun in up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.  It needs well draining sandy loam or a mixture of sand and gravel soil.

Surprisingly the Red Yucca can tolerate cold temperatures down to -20 degrees F.

The first growing season, the plant should be watered deeply once a week . After that, reduce watering to once every two to three weeks, or even less in temperate areas. Plants in pots might need watering more frequently.

Red Yucca roots typically reach an average depth of 12 to 24 inches.  Their spread can extend up to 2 - 3 feet from the base.

 They can grow 3-4 feet tall, 3-6 feet wide and the flower stalks can reach a height of 5-8 feet.  

They have long-lasting, mostly vibrant red or yellow flowers that bloom in the late spring and summer.

Propagating:

Fall or winter is ideal for dividing red yucca, as it allows the new plants to establish before the next growing season. 

Look for offsets or pups (small plants growing from the base). These can be separated from the parent plant with a sharp spade or knife.  They can be moved to other areas in your garden or placed in a good sized pot.  

Cautions:

Red Yucca is considered toxic to dogs.  However birds, squirrels, rodents, rabbits and deer all like to eat Red Yucca, which is not toxic to these creatures.

Yucca spines can be sharp and cause irritation if they penetrate the skin, especially for pets.

Be cautious when handling the plant and keep it away from children and pets.

Interesting Facts:

Hummingbirds especially love their nectar and are attracted to the Red Yucca’s vibrant colored blossoms. 

Red Yucca symbolizes passion and strength, with a Mexican cultural link.  It is said that the vibrant blooms boost mood, evoking energy and joy.

If you live in a hot climate like I do, add one to your landscaping - you’ll be happy you did!