Beschorneria yuccoides aka Yucca Leaved Beschorneria

Beschorneria yuccoides is known as Mexican lily. This evergreen perennial keeps its leaves and lives for years. It belongs to Asparagaceae, the asparagus family. Kew lists its native range in Hidalgo, Puebla and Veracruz, Mexico. It grows on rocky slopes in broad clumps with no stems. Its form suits rock gardens, pots and small border groups. Gardeners also grow it alone as a specimen or courtyard plant.

The two garden sources give different sizes. The RHS gives height and spread as 3.3–4.9 feet [1–1.5 metres]. NC State lists both as 4–6 feet [1.2–1.8 metres]. The RHS gives five to ten years to reach full size. Gray-green leaves form rosettes, each with 20–35 leaves. The leaf blades feel like leather and are a little fleshy. Each long, sword-shaped leaf has a broad base and fine teeth. The blade grows narrow toward its tip. NC State gives leaf lengths of 1.3–2 feet [0.4–0.6 metres]. The RHS gives shorter lengths of about 0.7 feet [0.2 metres].

Flowers grow well above the leaf clump in summer. Red stems and bracts frame the green to yellow-green flowers. Each bloom takes the shape of a tube or bell. The blooms form arching clusters called racemes. NC State gives flower-stem heights of 3.3–5.9 feet [1–1.8 metres]. It also notes an extreme near 10.8 feet [3.3 metres]. The RHS gives raceme lengths of about 4.9 feet [1.5 metres]. Fruits form in fall, with shapes from long to almost round.

Give this plant full sun in a warm, sheltered spot. Both sources stress that soil must drain well. It grows in loam or sand. Acid, neutral and alkaline soils all suit it. It copes with drought and needs little water when conditions suit it. Under glass, use cactus compost and give it full light. Give modest amounts of water during growth, then less in winter. The RHS says to give balanced liquid feed monthly during growth. Guard outdoor plants from frost, or grow them under glass. The RHS rates it H3. NC State lists USDA zones 8–11.

This plant needs little care and no pruning. Its leaves give borders shape after the blooms have gone. It also suits coastal gardens and sites beside walls. The RHS notes few disease problems but warns of scale insects. Grow new plants from seed or remove offsets in spring. The supplied sources give no clear facts on food use or toxicity.