Brake Lights

Plant Type: evergreen succulent/perennial
Plant Height: 3–4 feet (foliage); 5–6 feet with bloom stalks
Spread: 3–4 feet
Flower Color: coral-pink to salmon
Sun Exposure: Full sun

‘Little Giant’ (Hesperaloe x ‘Little Giant’): Upright, Architectural Color for Desert Landscapes

‘Little Giant’ is a hybrid hesperaloe known for its upright, architectural foliage and tall coral-pink flower spikes that attract hummingbirds. With its compact yet bold form, it’s perfect for adding vertical interest, seasonal color, and year-round texture to low-water gardens.

Key Features of ‘Little Giant’

• Striking Flower Stalks: Long bloom spikes topped with clusters of coral-pink to salmon flowers from late spring through summer.
• Strong, Upright Foliage: Blue-green, sword-like leaves create a clean, architectural look.
• Drought & Heat Tolerant: Handles extreme sun and heat with ease once established.
• Wildlife-Friendly: Flowers are nectar-rich and highly attractive to hummingbirds.

Growing and Care Tips

‘Little Giant’ is an easy-care plant ideal for xeriscaping, modern gardens, and commercial landscapes.

Soil: Prefers well-draining sandy or rocky soil; amend heavy clay to improve drainage.
Water: Moderate during establishment; afterward, water deeply only every 2–4 weeks in summer.
Fertilizer: Rarely required; a light spring feeding can encourage more blooms.
Pruning: Remove spent bloom stalks at the base and trim damaged leaves to maintain a tidy appearance.

Landscaping Uses

• Accent Plant: Adds height and color to desert beds.
• Mass Plantings: Works well in groupings for large visual impact.
• Rock Gardens: Complements boulders and other architectural plants.
• Wildlife Gardens: Supports hummingbirds and pollinators.

Summary

‘Little Giant’ offers a perfect blend of vertical form, long-lasting blooms, and desert toughness. Its compact size and vibrant flowers make it an excellent choice for Arizona landscapes seeking beauty with low maintenance.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): ‘Little Giant’

Planting Guide:

Location: Full sun for best flowering and foliage color.
Soil: Well-draining sandy or rocky soil preferred.
Spacing: Space 3–4 feet apart for mass planting or accents.
Planting Depth: Keep crown level with soil surface.
Support: Not required—foliage and bloom stalks are naturally sturdy.

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water deeply after planting to settle soil.
• Frequency: Every 3–4 days for the first 2–3 weeks.
• Watering Amount: Enough to moisten soil 6–8 inches deep.

When is the Plant Established?

• Generally after 2–3 months of consistent watering and active new growth.

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Deep water every 14–21 days during prolonged heat.
• Winter: Water every 4–6 weeks if no rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

Placement of Emitters: Position 1–2 emitters 8–12 inches from the base.
Flow Rate: 1 gallon per hour.
Number of Emitters: One for smaller plants; two for mature clumps.
Adjusting Frequency: Increase slightly in extreme heat; reduce in cooler months.

General Watering Tips for ‘Little Giant’:

• Soil Check: Let top 3 inches dry before watering again.
• Avoid Overwatering: Excess moisture can lead to root rot.
• Mulch: Apply gravel mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds without holding excess humidity.