Dasylirion acrotrichum
A succulent, evergreen shrub, forming a sphere of foliage on a stout trunk ultimately to 1.2m tall. The pale green leaves have hooked spines along the margins and are tipped with a tuft of fibres. In summer a very tall, slender flowerspike is produced, densely packed with star-shaped white flowers
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Tufted
- Genus
Dasylirion are dioecious evergreen shrubs or trees with thick stems bearing terminal rosettes of narrow, spiny-edged leaves; tiny star-shaped flowers are borne in long panicles in summer, on mature plants
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mexico
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass grow in a mix of 2 parts each loam and sand, and 1 part each leaf mould and peat substitute. provide full light and low humidity. In the growing season, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; keep almost dry at other times. In summer, move containerised specimens outside. Outdoors grow in very sharply draining soil in a very sheltered, sunny spot
Propagation
Propagate by sowing seed at 21°C in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to mealybugs and scale insects
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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