The Low-Maintenance Red Perennial Perfect For Gravel (With One Big Catch)

Hesperaloe parviflora, or red yucca, is a staple of many dry climate landscapes. Native to Texas and northeastern parts of Mexico, red yucca does well in desert conditions—it thrives with little water and lots of sun. The hardy succulent is often recommended as an ideal plant for rock and container gardens. Because the red yucca loves well-draining soil and can tolerate dry conditions, it takes its place among lavender and butterfly milkweed as one of many beautiful plants that grow well in gravel gardens.

But there's a catch to using beautiful red yucca in your yard: You have to give it plenty of space to grow. Red yucca can grow to about 3 feet wide and flower stalks can reach heights of up to 9 feet. Individual leaves are about 2 feet long. With this in mind, it's imperative to plant it at least 2 to 3 feet away from pavement or walkways. 

And while it might seem tempting to situate the beautiful plants along a sidewalk or driveway where they're highly visible, keep in mind they're also very sharp. It's not exactly pleasant to brush up against the red yucca's pointed leaves. Instead, it should be planted somewhere where trimming the healthy parts of the plant back is not necessary. With a little guidance, you can avoid these mistakes people often making when growing yucca. 

One of the best characteristics of red yucca is that it is easy—it requires little maintenance and is a hardy plant if planted in the correct USDA Hardiness Zone. But there are some simple ways to make sure your plant is thriving, not just surviving. While red yucca can survive in partial shade, it loves a full sun environment and does best in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 10. 

A key to a happy red yucca? Well-draining soil. The two main factors that impact soil drainage are the soil's structure and level of compaction. Sandy soil is better for drainage, as is soil that hasn't been overly compacted and tamped down. Gravel soil is great for drainage as well, which is why these plants love a rock garden.

You may have to adjust your watering schedule if you plant the red yucca. In the first year after planting, you should water frequently—but be careful not to over-water. Once the plant is established, natural rainfall should be enough to keep the red yucca happy. Trimming maintenance is quite easy as well. No need to trim back healthy leaves—just wait until they die to remove them from the bottom of the plant with a gentle tug. The same can be done for dead flower stalks. If red yucca is just the start of your desert landscaping, consider this simple plan to help you build a cactus garden in nearly no time.