Beschorneria

(Beschorner'ia)

DESCRIPTION: This group consists of about 10 shrubs and perennials that are natives of Mexico. The most popular kind is B. yuccoides. This tender plant is an evergreen perennial with semi-woody stems that can be grown in tropical climates only. B. yuccoides produces rosettes of succulent, lance-shaped leaves that have rough edges. There are about 20 leaves to a bunch. In mid- or late summer, reddish-colored flower stems rise out of the foliage. These stems may reach a height of about 6½ feet. The bear pendent clusters of bright green flowers surrounded by red bracts.

POTTING: These plants need very porous soil and a sunny location. If grown in containers, March and April are the best months to pot or repot; however, since these plants grow quite slowly and thrive well in smaller pots, it isn't necessary to repot them for several years, especially when they're larger plants. You should place plenty of drainage material in the bottom of the pot or tub. A suitable compost can be made by mixing two parts fibrous loam, one part broken bricks, and one part sand with a bit of bone meal and dried cow manure. They need plenty of water in the summer, but little is needed in the winter.

PROPAGATION: Suckers that surround the base of the plant may be detached and potted. Seeds may be sown when they're ripe, in pots of sandy soil.

VARIETIES: B. yuccoides.

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