Beschorneria yuccoides (Mexican Lily)

Reminiscent of Yuccas, Beschorneria yuccoides (Mexican Lily) is an evergreen perennial forming a soft stemless rosette of strap-shaped, gray-green leaves, up to 2 ft. long (60 cm). Tough and pliable, the leaves are smooth, without teeth or spines. Eventually the rosette will increase slowly by offsets to form a cluster of rosettes. In late spring to early summer, the foliage is topped with a thick, often slightly arching, pinkish-red flowering stalk reaching 3-7 ft. (90-210 cm). It bears nodding bell-shaped bright green flowers adorned with showy red bracts. Heat and drought tolerant, Mexican Lily contributes a bold architectural form throughout the year. It is worth growing for its striking glaucous swordlike foliage and exotic arching flower spikes.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Leaves form a foliage clump to 3-4 ft. tall (90-120 cm) and 3-4 ft. wide (90-120 cm).
• Easily grown in humus-rich loam, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Appreciates afternoon shade in hot summer climates. When in growth water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly. Water sparingly in winter. Drought tolerant.
• Great for beds and borders, city gardens, coastal gardens or Mediterranean gardens.
• Virtually pest and disease free, but keep an eye out scale insects.
• Propagate by seed sown in spring at 70°F (21°C). Offsets can be carefully removed and potted up in spring.
• Native to Mexico.