Hesperaloe parviflora is one of the little known US native gems from the Southwest that is completely adaptable to most of the moist Southeast. Hesperaloe parviflora resembles a yucca but is a little more socially acceptable (safer around kids and bending gardeners) because it was born sans spines. The thick, upright-growing, blue-green foliage makes a nice clump especially when it is topped with 40" spikes of rich salmon-pink flowers in late summer...a truly wonderful and easy-to-grow plant, especially in mass plantings. Hesperaloe parviflora has survived -22 degrees F at the Denver Botanic Garden, but will succumb in the winter at much higher temperatures if the soils are moist. Maintenance:Hesperaloe parviflora is a maintenance-free, evergreen perennial. Other than removing the old flower stalks, there is really nothing that needs to be done to keep it attractive and healthy. Old clumps can be divided and replanted. We have not found a time of year that doesn't work well. Growing Conditions:Hesperaloe parviflora enjoys full, hot, baking sun for 6+ hours. While they will survive in less light, you will probably never see flowers. Other than bright light, well-drained soils are also very important, since false red yucca detests waterlogged soils. It will tolerate a soil pH from slightly acidic to quite alkaline. Nomenclature:We were surprised to find that much of what is sold as Hesperaloe parviflora is actually not correctly named. Some is Hesperaloe chiangii, and quite a bit are actually hybrids. Natural Impacts:In the wild, hummingbirds are the sole pollinator of Hesperaloe parviflora. In gardens, however, they are also pollinated by bats, bees, and hawkmoths.
