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Blue beargrass tree

Nolina nelsonii

This yucca-like Mexican plant has bold bluish leaves to 3 feet long that have tiny serrations on the edges. It makes a stunning accent in the garden or in a container. It is hardy to 10°F and extremely drought tolerant. Thousands of tiny white flowers bloom on a 4-foot stalk on mature clumps.

Noteworthy CharacteristicsTolerates moderate freezes. Sculptural architectural presence. Good foliage color. Low maintenance.

CareFull sun or a little shade in extremely fast draining soil. Needs regular water in summer, less in fall, and little or none in winter. If growing in a container, use a potting mix formulated for cacti and do not overwater.

PropagationSow seed at 64 to 70°F, or root offsets in spring.

ProblemsSpider mites and scale insects indoors. Various fungal spots and stems rots can occur, as can bacterial leaf streak and bacterial soft rot.

  • Genus : Nolina
  • Zones : 10, 7, 8, 9
  • Plant Height : 10 to 15 feet
  • Uses : Containers
  • Tolerance : Deer Tolerant, Frost Tolerant
  • Moisture : Dry to Medium
  • Light : Full Sun
  • Maintenance : Low
  • Growth Rate : Moderate
  • Foliage Color : Purple/Burgundy
  • Characteristics : Showy Foliage
  • Plant Type : Shrubs
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest
  • Bloom Time : Summer
  • Flower Color : White

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