About
Dasylirion serratifolium, the sandpaper sotol, is an architectural, rosette-forming shrub to around 1.5 m with a short stem topped by narrow, blue-green leaves about 1 m long and 1.5�3 cm wide, with tufted ends and sharply serrated edges. White flowers appear in summer on tall panicles, followed by small, rounded, winged fruits. A dramatic plant for a sunny, very well-drained, frost-free position.
About the genus
Dasylirion, the sotols, are evergreen, dioecious shrubs and trees from Mexico and the south-western United States with thick stems bearing terminal rosettes of narrow, often spiny-edged leaves and tall panicles of tiny, star-shaped flowers in summer on mature plants. Dramatic and architectural plants for sunny, very well-drained, frost-free positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitTufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Native toMexico
Care notes
CultivationIn frost-prone areas, grow in full light in a greenhouse or conservatory with low humidity in a mix of 2:2:1:1 loam:sand:leaf mould:peat-free compost, water freely and fertilize once a month from early spring to autumn, move plants in pots outside during the summer, and water sparingly in winter; in frost-free areas, grow in a hot, sheltered site in full sun in dry, well-drained soil
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 21°C in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free