Erect, bold, striking growth habit characterizes this excellent, slow-growing evergreen. The plant produces stiff, narrow, green leaves that form clumps of upright growth up to six feet tall. The plant's leaf margins are covered with white, stringy fibers that peel off as it matures. During summer, a greenish-white flower stalk shoots from the center of the plant. Its flowers are nocturnal and are pollinated by bats and hummingbirds. After blooming, its blossoms produce woody capsules with flat, black seeds. For its bold foliage, you can use it in an attractive pot along an open wall or along a large pool or pond. It can also be used as a streetscape shrub or in a mass planting in medians. A native of the Chihuahuan Desert in northeastern Mexico and southern Texas, it grows up to 7,500 feet in elevation.
Plants are hardy down to about five degrees Fahrenheit. Once established, it can survive without supplemental irrigation for a long period of time. Generally, giant hesperaloe prefers soils that drain well and are somewhat rocky. As well as full sun, the plant enjoys plenty of reflected heat. This very low-maintenance accent is relatively easy to grow. Newly planted shrubs should be protected with chicken wire since rabbits love to eat the foliage.
