The Mexican Lily, or Beschorneria yuccoides, is a succulent perennial native to the canyons and ravines of Mexico’s pine-oak forests. It forms a basal rosette of soft, glaucous, sword-shaped leaves. Mature plants produce a striking tall, arching red flower spike with pendulous, greenish-yellow, tubular flowers. It thrives in well-drained soil.
| KEY PLANT INFORMATION | |
|---|---|
| Plant Type: | Sucuclent perennial |
| Plant Colours: | Green / Pink / red |
| Flowering period: | Late summer – Early autumn |
| Mature Height: | 100cm / 2ft |
| Light Requirements: | Part shade – Full sun |
| Water Requirements: | Moderate |
| Cold Hardiness: | Hardy to -23⁰C / 10ºF |
| Difficult: | Easy |
Plant Type
Succulent perennial
Beschorneria yuccoides is an evergreen, clump-forming succulent perennial from Mexico. It belongs to the Asparagaceae family and forms a rosette of fleshy, yucca-like leaves. It produces tall spikes with red-bracted, green-pink flowers.
Mature Height
100cm / 3ft
The mature height of the Beschorneria yuccoides (Mexican Lily) foliage is generally about 100 cm or 3 feet. However, its distinctive red flower stalk significantly increases the overall height, typically reaching 1.5 to 1.8 meters (approx. 5 to 6 feet), and sometimes up to 3.2 meters (about 10 feet).
Light Requirements
Partial shade – Full sun
Beschorneria yuccoides thrives in full sun to partial shade. Optimal growth occurs with at least six hours of bright light daily, preferably in a sheltered location.
Water Requirements
Drought tolerant
Beschorneria yuccoides is highly drought-tolerant, preferring to be on the dry side to avoid root rot. Water moderately when actively growing (spring to autumn), allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering to very sparingly or none in winter. Excellent drainage is essential, as the plant dislikes wet, soggy roots.
Cold Hardiness
Hardy to -8⁰C / 18⁰F
Beschorneria yuccoides is notably hardy for an exotic plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -8°C (18°F) when planted in very well-drained soil and given shelter. It is less hardy if conditions are wet or exposed.
