Beschorneria

( bes - kor - NAIR - ee - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of succulent plants, commonly called Mexican Lily, is native to semi-arid areas of Central America and Mexico. Leaves are green to grey-green and strappy on most species, forming a basal rosette of foliage that in some species resembles Agave. Flowers appear on tall, thick spikes that emerge from the plant in spring and summertime. Blooms will attract hummingbirds and other pollinators to the garden. These plants require some winter protection in areas that are subject to freezing temperatures. This genus is little-known and therefore underutilized in garden design, but has great potential to add color, interest, and structure to many types of landscapes.

Beschorneria Species and Varietals

The genus Beschorneria is a member of the plant family Asparagaceae, and includes 8 species. Three species (Beschorneria floribunda, Beschorneria multiflora, and Beschorneria parmentieri) were somewhat recently removed and placed in the genus Furcraea. Mexican Lily plants grow well in USDA hardiness zones 8-11, though this varies somewhat depending on the species and cultivar grown. For more information, see the species descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Beschorneria albiflora (Mexican Lily, Trunking Beschorneria, Amole)
This species of evergreen plant has green leaves and white, pink, red, and cream-colored flowers that bloom in spring and summertime. Individual plants reach up to between 6 and 8 feet tall and 4 feet wide at maturity when in bloom. As plants mature, they develop an above-ground trunk. This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 8b-10b, and can tolerate temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Beschorneria calcicola (Veracruz Lily)
This species produces somewhat smaller plants than others in the genus, and forms clumps of foliage great for use as groundcover or filler in mixed beds. Leaves are grey-green and flowers are yellow-cream to pink. These plants adapt well to many climates, but are not commonly seen in garden cultivation. They do well in UDSA hardiness zones 9-11, tolerating temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

​Beschorneria rigida (Yucca-Leaved Beschorneria)
Green foliaged plant that produces 2 foot-long leaves and more flowers than any other species in the genus. Arching magenta to red flower stalks tower over the foliage, reaching 5 feet tall and producing magenta and chartreuse flowers. Best in USDA hardiness zones 7-10.

​Beschorneria septentrionalis (False Agave, Red False Agave, False Red Agave)
This species of Beschorneria produces red flowers on towering red stalks in late springtime. Foliage is glossy, wide and strappy. These plants are native to dry woodland areas in northeastern Mexico and grow well in USDA hardiness zones 6a-11. Varietal 'Fairey Christmas' produces pinkish flower spikes with pink and light green flowers in March and April.

Beschorneria tubiflora (False Red Yucca, Hidalgo Lily)
This species forms a basal rosette of greyish-green to green strappy leaves with a rough texture. In late spring, a tall flower spike (just under 6 feet tall) emerges from the foliage, holding clusters of red and green tubular flowers with reddish-purple bracts. This species does well in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11.

​Beschorneria wrightii (Wright's Mexican Lily, Mexican Lily, Amole, Sisi)
This species produces bluish-green leaves and pink flower spikes that support yellow and pinkish-red flowers. These plants do well in dry, shaded areas of the landscape. They grow well in USDA hardiness zones 8a-9b.

​Beschorneria yuccoides (Mexican Lily, Amole, Yucca-Leaved Beschorneria, Sisi)
This is the most popularly grown species in the genus, and has won the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Leaves are leathery and green, and flower spikes are magenta to pink, rising to just under 6 feet tall. Plants in this species are cultivated in USDA hardiness zones 8a-11. Blooms are pinkish-red and green. Variety 'Flamingo Glow' produces foliage with a light yellow-green central stripe.

Caring for Beschorneria

Beschorneria plants do well when planted in full sun to partial shade. In the warmest climates, they do appreciate some late afternoon shade. Well-draining, nutrient-rich soil is essential for these plants (though they will tolerate somewhat clayey soils). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Soil should ideally have a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0. If growing these plants in pots, use a potting mix made for succulents. After planting, mulch around the base of the plant with organic mulching material to help retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth. Keep mulch away from the plant stems, as this can encourage an environment for root rot issues to take hold. Fertilize these plants yearly in early springtime with a dressing of organic compost. Remove mulch before applying, work the compost into the soil, and then water it before replacing mulch. Prune off any yellowing, dead, damaged, or diseased foliage as it appears, and remove spent flowering spikes as they fade. Otherwise, these plants do not need much in the way of ongoing care.

Propagation

Beschorneria plants are best propagated using harvested seeds. Although division is another option for propagation, it requires digging up a plant that really prefers to not be disturbed once it is in the ground. To propagate your Mexican Lily, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Beschorneria by Seed
  1. Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
  2. Harvest your seeds. The seed pods on plants are pretty easy to spot, they're left behind after flowers have faded. Once they have dried out and begun to split open, you can harvest the seeds inside. Cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will continue to split open and release the seeds contained inside. Once they have been released, take them out of the bag and put them in a container so you can work with them.
  3. In either late winter or early springtime, get your container prepared. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 1-2 months from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
  4. Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

Problems and Pests

There are no major pests or diseases that affect Beschorneria plants, but they can be bothered from time to time by:
  • Aphids
  • Mealybugs
  • Scale Insects
  • Spider Mites
  • Snails and Slugs
  • Powdery Mildew
  • Root Rot
For information on how to treat and prevent these pests and diseases, consult the following pages:
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Gallery

Beschorneria plants adorn a garden pathway with their bold foliage.
These plants can add a tropical vibe to landscapes.
Beschorneria is interplanted with Cousin Itt Acacia with Australian Tree Fern behind.
This modern landscape features Beschorneria yuccoides 'Flamingo Glow', Sago Palm, Crassula, and Acacia.
The strappy blue-green foliage provides year-round interest.
Beschorneria flowers are typically bright magenta to reddish-pink.

Videos

Take a look at Beschorneria yuccoides 'Flamingo Glow'.
How to grow these interesting landscape plants.

Resources

Beschorneria - Growing Guide
Wikipedia: Beschorneria
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 195, Beschorneria yuccoides