About
A low-growing, clump-forming evergreen perennial succulent with rosettes of arching, linear silvery-green foliage to around 60cm in height. Flower spikes to 1.5m high produce masses of bright coral-red, tubular flowers in summer which last longer when the weather is hot.
About the genus
A genus of flowering, yucca-like plants, native to arid parts of Texas in the USA and Mexico, forming rosettes of long, narrow foliage with long panicles or racemes of orange-red flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent, Grass Like
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
Care notes
CultivationOutdoors, grow in poor to moderately fertile, sharply-drained, neutral to acid soil in full sun. Protect from excessive winter wet. Under glass, grow in standard cactus compost in full light. In growth water moderately and apply a low-nitrogen fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter; see hardy cacti and succulents cultivation for further advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or separating offsets in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects and aphids when flowering
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free