Overview
Nolina longifolia is a plant with a bushy habit in the genus Nolina, part of the Asparagaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Nolina longifolia grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1C. Suggested uses include patio and container plants.
About
Nolina longifolia (zacate) is an evergreen perennial cultivar within the Nolina genus, known for its bushy habit and robust, swollen caudex supporting a terminal rosette of narrow, resilient leaves. It thrives in full sun and is suitable for south-, west-, or east-facing aspects, tolerating both exposed and sheltered conditions. This cultivar prefers fertile, moist but well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH and is hardy to H1C in the UK. It is ideal for patio and container planting, with interest during spring and summer when mature plants produce tall panicles of small flowers.
About the genus
Nolina is a genus of temperate and tropical xerophytic flowering plants belonging to the family Asparagaceae. The native distribution of the genus includes most of Mexico and the southern regions of the United States north to Nevada and Colorado. Especially in the USA, members of the genus are known as beargrass, some of which are cultivated as ornamental plants.
Wikipedia contributors, "Nolina", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Nolina
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Nolina
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1C
Plant details
Nolina longifolia size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Nolina longifolia
- Propagation
- Seed sown at 18 to 21°C in spring, root offsets in spring
- Pest resistance
- Scale insects, glasshouse red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Nolina longifolia?
Nolina longifolia prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Nolina longifolia need?
Nolina longifolia grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Nolina longifolia hardy in the UK?
Nolina longifolia has an RHS hardiness rating of H1c, meaning it needs a warm, frost-free position of 5–10°C and is best grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Nolina longifolia?
Seed sown at 18 to 21°C in spring, root offsets in spring.