Beschorneria septentrionalis, False Agave, is a succulent that resembles a cross of agave with a hosta with 2'-3' rosettes of many evergreen glossy gray-green 4-inch broad lanceolate leaves that arch over gracefully. Spear-like, red flower spikes eventually branch and rise to 4'-5' feet tall and bloom many dangling long bell-shaped flowers of the same color with green petal tips in spring. The stems fade to green in later summer while holding red-tinged seed pods.
Plant in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil and irrigate occasionally in summer (more regularly in full sun). Cold hardy to at least 10°F. A great addition to meadow or succulent gardens. Its flowers attract hummingbirds. Low maintenance plant that is stunning in bloom and has a year-round presence in the garden with its evergreen foliage. Flower stalks can be removed when they are no longer attractive. Leave them to ripen their fruit if you want to raise more from seed, provided they set seed. The fruits are about walnut-sized and will be evident soon after blooming.
Beschorneria septentrionalis is native to the northeastern Mexican states of Tamaulipas and Nuevo León, where it grows in mountainous dry woodlands.
