perennial

Bigelow's Nolina

Nolina bigelovii

The Story

Plant Bio

Nolina bigelovii, commonly known as Bigelow's Nolina, is a drought-tolerant, evergreen shrub with a rosette of leathery, strap-like leaves and tall, slender flower stalks bearing cream-colored flowers.

This species is distinguished by its impressive, thick trunk-like base and its ability to adapt to arid environments, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides architectural structure with evergreen foliage, ideal for xeriscaping.

Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, reduces water use.

Supports native desert ecosystems by requiring minimal resources.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

72 inches

Width

60 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Decades

Native To

Southwestern U.S. and Northern Mexico

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Bloom period

Spring – Late summer

In flower about 5 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select well-draining sandy soil for planting
Tuck roots into the soil and water lightly
Place in full sun for optimal growth
Mist cuttings weekly to promote root development
Allow soil to dry between waterings, especially in summer
Mulch lightly to conserve moisture

Pro Tip

Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot in wet conditions.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water sparingly during summer months 🌱
Prune dead leaves to maintain shape
Apply a cactus-specific fertilizer in spring

Don't

Avoid overwatering, which can cause rot ❌
Do not expose to heavy shade
Refrain from fertilizing in winter

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plant
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Sandy-textured succulent borderArchitectural drought-tolerant hedgeVertical accent in xeriscape

Companion Plants

Agave Sedum Yucca Aloe Echinocactus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bigelow's Nolina questions

What zones can Bigelow's Nolina grow in?

Bigelow's Nolina is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Bigelow's Nolina deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Bigelow's Nolina, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Bigelow's Nolina bloom?

Bigelow's Nolina typically blooms in spring through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Bigelow's Nolina need full sun?

Bigelow's Nolina does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Bigelow's Nolina drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Bigelow's Nolina handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.