False Agave

Beschorneria septentrionalis, also known as False Agave, is a succulent that resembles a cross between an agave and a hosta. It forms 2'-3' rosettes of many evergreen glossy gray-green 4-inch broad lanceolate leaves that gracefully arch over. In spring, spear-like red flower spikes branch and rise to 4'-5' feet tall, blooming many dangling long bell-shaped flowers of the same color with green petal tips. The stems fade to green in later summer while holding red-tinged seed pods.

For optimal growth, plant in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil and water occasionally in summer (more regularly in full sun). It is cold hardy to at least 10°F and makes a great addition to meadow or succulent gardens. The flowers attract hummingbirds. This low-maintenance plant is stunning in bloom and maintains a year-round presence in the garden with its evergreen foliage. If the flower stalks are no longer attractive, they can be removed unless you want to raise more from seed, leaving them to ripen their walnut-sized fruit soon after blooming.

Beschorneria septentrionalis is native to the northeastern Mexican states of Tamaulipas and Nuevo León, where it grows in mountainous dry woodlands.