Little Giant

Plant Type: Evergreen Succulent/Agave Relative
Plant Height: 2-3 feet (foliage), 4-5 feet (flower stalks)
Spread: 2-3 feet
Flower Color: Red to coral-pink
Sun Exposure: Full sun

Little Giant: Compact, Colorful Desert Accent

The ‘Little Giant’ Hesperaloe (Hesperaloe × ‘Little Giant’) is a smaller, compact hybrid of the well-known Red Yucca. With its tidy size, evergreen foliage, and tall spikes of coral-red flowers, it’s an excellent choice for Arizona landscapes where space is limited but bold color is desired. Tough, water-wise, and low-maintenance, this plant thrives in the Phoenix Valley’s heat and sun while providing long-lasting seasonal interest.

Key Features of Little Giant

• Compact Growth: Grows smaller than traditional Red Yucca, making it perfect for smaller yards, patios, and tighter spaces.
• Colorful Blooms: Sends up showy stalks of coral-red flowers in spring and summer that attract hummingbirds.
• Evergreen Foliage: Narrow, arching, grass-like leaves add texture and stay green year-round.
• Drought Tolerance: Extremely water-wise and well-suited for xeriscaping and desert landscapes.

Growing and Care Tips

• Soil: Prefers well-drained sandy or rocky soil; tolerant of poor soils.
• Water: Moderate water during establishment; thrives on low water once mature.
• Pruning: Remove spent flower stalks at the base after blooming; foliage needs little to no pruning.
• Cold Tolerance: Hardy to about 0°F, making it a reliable evergreen in Arizona’s winters.

Landscaping Uses

• Accent Plant: Ideal for entryways, patios, and focal points.
• Borders & Walkways: Works beautifully in rows or clusters for clean structure and bold blooms.
• Containers: Its compact size makes it excellent for decorative pots.
• Xeriscapes: A staple plant for low-water gardens, blending well with agaves, yuccas, and desert shrubs.

Summary

The ‘Little Giant’ Hesperaloe is a compact, resilient, and colorful desert accent. With its evergreen foliage, coral-red blooms, and hummingbird appeal, it’s the perfect choice for homeowners seeking low-maintenance beauty and lasting interest in Arizona landscapes.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow):

Little Giant Planting Guide

Location: Full sun for best flowering and compact foliage growth.
Soil: Well-drained sandy or rocky soil. Avoid heavy clay or soggy ground.
Spacing: Plant 2-3 feet apart for individual accents or groupings.
Planting Depth: Place root ball level with surrounding soil; backfill and firm gently.
Support: None required; naturally forms a compact clump.

Watering Guide

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water deeply after planting.
• Frequency: Water every 2-3 days for the first 2 weeks, then reduce to once weekly for the next 2-3 months.
• Amount: Provide 2-3 gallons per watering to saturate the root zone.

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Typically 3-4 months in warm weather.

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water deeply every 2-3 weeks; increase to every 10-14 days during extreme heat for best blooms.
• Winter: Water every 4-6 weeks if rainfall is absent.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: 8-12 inches from plant base.
• Flow Rate: 1 gallon per hour emitters recommended.
• Number of Emitters: 1-2 per plant, depending on soil drainage.
• Adjusting Frequency: Increase during bloom-heavy months or peak summer heat.

General Watering Tips for Little Giant

• Soil Check: Let soil dry between watering; avoid soggy conditions.
• Avoid Overwatering: Excess water can cause root or crown rot.
• Mulch: Use decorative rock mulch to highlight the plant and reduce evaporation.