Also known as Red Yucca · 97 saves
Hesperaloe
Hesperaloe, the genus most gardeners know as red yucca. We track 3 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 3 most-saved Hesperaloe varieties
Species of Hesperaloe
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Hesperaloe in Sow
Save the Hesperaloe you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Hesperaloe
Whats common across all Hesperaloe varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them.
The Hesperaloe year
- PruneAugust and September100% of varieties
Cut spent flower stalks down to the base after blooming is finished.
- Spring CleanupMarch67% of varieties
Remove any dead or damaged leaves at the base of the plant.
Do
- Water deeply but infrequently 🌱
- Prune dead leaves to maintain shape
- Apply cactus fertilizer in spring
- Water infrequently, allowing soil to dry out between watering 🌱
- Use cactus or succulent fertilizer in spring
Avoid
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
- Plant in heavy clay soil
- Neglect pruning and fertilizing
- Overwater, which can cause rot ❌
What goes wrong with Hesperaloe
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Mealybugs | White cottony masses on leaves | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Scale insects | Sticky residue and yellowing leaves | Use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Ensure excellent drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Hesperaloe
Division
- Dig up mature plants in early spring.
- Separate offsets with a sharp knife.
- Plant divisions in well-draining soil immediately.
- Water lightly after planting.
- Allow 4-6 weeks for establishment.
Cuttings
- Select healthy leaf or stem cuttings in late spring.
- Allow cuttings to callus over 1 week.
- Plant in sandy, well-draining soil.
- Water sparingly until roots develop, about 6 weeks.
- Keep in full sun during rooting.
Hesperaloe questions
How many types of Hesperaloe are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Hesperaloe varieties. The most popular — ranked by 97 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Hesperaloe grow in?
Across its varieties, Hesperaloe covers USDA Zones 5–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Hesperaloe bloom?
Most Hesperaloe varieties bloom in mid-summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Hesperaloe should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.