Beschorneria Yuccoides

The Beschorneria Yuccoides is a lovely plant found in gardens around the country and yet often overlooked and possibly, to large degree, under utilised. Originating from Mexico, this close member of the Agave family is tough, enduring and so easy to grow. It is a perennial, rosette-forming succulent, with large grey-green, lance- or sword-shaped leaves with a slightly arching or drooping habit.

Each leaf can develop to 60cm or more in length, becoming an intense glaucous grey as it ages. When in full bloom a Beschorneria Yuccoides forms an imposing sight. Its stately flower spikes – comprising of prominent pink to red bracts and clusters of tubular, green flowers, sometimes tinged with yellow – tower well above the foliage. Mature clumps produce flower spikes that are often up to two metres tall.

Beschorneria withstands drought and poor soils and seems to tolerate moderate cold and frosts in the winter months. Propagation by seed, division or the transplanting of suckers ensures that these plants can be reproduced quite simply. Removal of old basal leaves and spent flower spikes keeps them in prime condition, always looking a picture of good health with a neat and tidy appearance.

Its garden uses are wide and varied as it fits into many landscape designs and styles. It looks equally at home in a large herbaceous border filled with a myriad of different flowering plants as it does in a post-modern landscape of gravel, rocks and a few select plants. Large rock gardens are a spectacular setting for these bold plants. Their drought tolerance and low water requirements make them perfect subjects for succulent or desert gardens while pots and containers that require dramatic, sculptural plants can be filled to perfection with them.

This is undoubtedly a useful plant that might be hiding somewhere in your garden already, and just needs to be highlighted by moving it into a position of prominence. If not, seek out a Beschorneria Yuccoides at your local plant supplier and enhance your garden with a touch of Mexico.