Red Yucca, Redflower False Yucca, Semandoque

Type: Succulent

Size: 3 feet high, 3 feet wide, with 4–6 foot flower stalks

Bloom: May–September, into fall if pods removed

Water use: Low to moderate

This yeoman of the spring and summer hummingbird garden is neither red (though plants may become purple-tinged in winter) nor a yucca, but its less-than-accurate common name makes little difference to hummingbirds.

This sturdy succulent is both drought tolerant and heat loving. It tolerates a variety of soils, demanding only fast drainage. In extremely hot locations, a deep soaking once or twice a month in the summer will improve its appearance; in very wet areas the plant is likely to rot.

This low-maintenance evergreen is widely available and works beautifully as an accent for courtyards, poolsides, and patios, along walkways, in rock gardens, or massed as a tall ground cover. It also makes an excellent container plant.