Beschorrneria Yuccoides 'Flamingo Glow'

Mexican Lily / Flamingo Glow Beschorneria

Botanical Name: Beschorneria yuccoides ‘Flamingo Glow’
Family: Asparagaceae
Origin: Mexico (cultivar selection)
Plant Type: Evergreen, clump-forming succulent perennial

Overview

A bold architectural accent plant with variegated, sword-like leaves and striking pink-flushed flower stems in late spring–summer. Beschorneria yuccoides ‘Flamingo Glow’ adds dramatic tropical style and colour to Adelaide and South Australian gardens, thriving in sunny, dry, and coastal conditions. Its creamy-yellow and green leaves form neat rosettes, while tall coral-pink flower spikes with red and green blooms make a stunning display. Exceptionally heat-, drought-, and wind-tolerant, this plant suits low-water, Mediterranean, and coastal landscapes.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 1.0–1.2 m H × 1.0–1.2 m W (foliage); flower stems to 1.5–2.0 m H
• Growth Rate: 15–30 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Broad, sword-shaped leaves variegated in green and creamy-yellow, often developing pink tints in cool or dry conditions
• Flowers: Tall, coral-pink flower stalks bearing clusters of tubular red and green blooms in late spring–summer
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen foliage year-round; spectacular flowering display in warmer months
• Wildlife Value: Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and nectar-feeding birds
• Tolerance: Drought- and heat-tolerant once established; wind- and salt-tolerant (second-line coastal); Handles light frost (protect from hard frost in exposed Adelaide Hills or inland areas); Thrives in dry, rocky, or well-drained soils
• Planting Density: Feature/Accent: 1–1.5 m apart; Mass planting: 1.2–1.5 m apart for bold, repeating foliage texture
• Pet Friendly: Non-toxic to cats and dogs; however, the leaf tips can be firm or pointed—plant away from paths or play zones

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to light part shade (best foliage colour in full sun)
• Soil: Free-draining sandy or gravelly loam; thrives in poor, dry soils typical of Adelaide’s coastal and inner suburbs; avoid waterlogged clay
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: low water—deep soak every 3–4 weeks in summer (weekly in heatwaves); rarely in winter unless dry
• Maintenance: Very low-maintenance. Remove spent flower stalks after blooming and dead outer leaves as needed. Apply a light native-safe fertiliser in spring if desired. Avoid excessive watering or rich fertiliser.
• Lifespan: 10–20+ years under Adelaide’s dry, well-drained conditions
• Climate Zones: Ideal for Mediterranean and temperate SA – thrives across Adelaide Plains, Fleurieu Peninsula, Yorke and Eyre Peninsulas, and coastal districts
• Soil pH: Tolerates slightly acidic to strongly alkaline soils; excellent on SA limestone and coastal sands

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Feature plant in gravel, rock, or succulent gardens
• Focal point in modern or Mediterranean landscapes
• Mass plant along driveways or walls for structure and colour
• Excellent in large pots and alfresco planters
• Combine with Agave, Lomandra, Westringia, or Eremophila for waterwise texture contrast

Why You Will Love It

‘Flamingo Glow’ delivers year-round colour and texture with minimal care — golden variegated leaves, coral-pink flower spikes, and impressive drought toughness make it a perfect statement plant for Adelaide and South Australian landscapes.