Hesperaloe parviflora Brakelights ('Perpa'PBR)

RHS Plant Profile
small-flowered hesperaloe [Brakelights]

Synonyms

Hesperaloe parvifolia 'Perpa'PBR

Cactus Succulent Grass Like

A low-growing, clump-forming evergreen perennial succulent with rosettes of arching, linear silvery-green foliage to around 60cm in height. Flower spikes to 1.5m high produce masses of bright coral-red, tubular flowers in summer which last longer when the weather is hot

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asparagaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Tufted
Genus
A genus of flowering, yucca-like plants, native to arid parts of Texas in the USA and Mexico, forming rosettes of long, narrow foliage with long panicles or racemes of orange-red flowers
Name Status
Trade

How to Grow

Cultivation

Outdoors, grow in poor to moderately fertile, sharply-drained, neutral to acid soil in full sun. Protect from excessive winter wet. Under glass, grow in standard cactus compost in full light. In growth water moderately and apply a low-nitrogen fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter; see hardy cacti and succulents cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed or separating offsets in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Sub-tropical
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects and aphids when flowering

Diseases

Generally disease-free