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Red Yucca Hesperaloe

Heperaloe parviflora

true

1 gallon; 5 gallon

Red Yucca Hesperaloe

In stock

2-3’x2-3’

Sizes:

Red Yucca – Hesperaloe parviflora

Also known as: Coral Yucca, Hummingbird Yucca

Despite its name, Red Yucca is not a true yucca but a member of the Agave family (Agavaceae). This clumping, evergreen perennial forms a dense rosette of arching, yucca-like leaves that are soft, narrow, and leathery, typically reaching 2–3 feet in length. The bluish-green leaves often curl slightly and may bear fibrous threads along the edges.

From late spring through summer—and sometimes into fall—Red Yucca sends up tall, arching flower spikes that can reach up to 5 feet tall. These spikes are adorned with numerous tubular, coral-red to salmon-pink flowers held on pink-tinged wand-like stems. The floral display provides a striking contrast in cactus and rock gardens and is highly attractive to pollinators, especially hummingbirds.

Native to the Chihuahuan Desert region of Texas and northeastern Mexico, Hesperaloe parviflora thrives in full sun and well-drained soils. It is highly drought-tolerant, relatively rabbit-resistant, and makes an excellent accent plant in xeriscapes, parking strips, or median plantings. It tolerates reflected heat and is hardy to at least 0°F. The plant’s Latin name reflects its western roots, with Hesperaloe derived from the Greek “hesperos” (western) and “aloe” (referring to its aloe-like appearance).

Wildlife Value
Host Plant: —
Nectar Source: Verified for Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna); Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae); hawk moths; native generalist bees
Bird Resources: Nectar; Shelter
Bird Species: Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna); Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae)
Bees: Attracts native generalist bees, including longhorn and sweat bees
Other Wildlife Observations:
Locally, Hesperaloe parviflora has been observed attracting Tramea lacerata, commonly known as the Big Red Skimmer dragonfly. These striking red dragonflies have been documented feeding while perched on Red Yucca flower stalks, highlighting the plant’s value as a nectar or insect-hunting perch for beneficial predatory insects.

Plant Care

Native region:

Chihuahuan Desert

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Full Sun; Filtered Sun

Mature size:

2-3’x2-3’

Growth rate:

Fast

Flower color:

Coral

Flower season:

Spring - Early Summer

Pruning:

Remove old flower stalks

Cold Hardiness:

-20 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Yes

Tortoises:

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.