Blue beargrass tree (Nolina nelsonii) Synonyms:  Beaucarnea spp. Genus:  Nolina 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 Characteristics:  Tolerates moderate freezes. Sculptural architectural presence. Good foliage color. Low maintenance. Care:  Full 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. Propagation:  Sow seed at 64 to 70°F, or root offsets in spring. Problems:  Spider mites and scale insects indoors. Various fungal spots and stems rots can occur, as can bacterial leaf streak and bacterial soft rot.

Overview

Height 10 ft. to 15 ft. Growth Habit Clumps Growth Pace Moderate Grower Light Full Sun Only Moisture Dry to Medium Maintenance Low Characteristics Showy Flowers, Showy Foliage Bloom Time Summer Flower Color White Foliage Color Colorful/Burgundy Foliage Uses Beds and Borders, Container, Specimen Plant/Focal Point Style Desert Garden Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Tolerance Deer Tolerant, Frost Tolerant Type Shrubs