Civano Growers Introduces a New Hesperaloe that Thrives in the Built Environment

Civano Growers strives to breed and introduce cultivars that can handle the environmental extremes of the Southwest. Poor soil, reflective heat, intense sun, monsoonal rains, and freezing temperatures are all challenges of the built environment. Civano Originals not only meet these challenges, they are also pollinator-friendly and attractive.

For 2023, Civano Growers is proud to introduce Hesperaloe x funifera ‘Little Giant’ to the Civano Originals family. ‘Little Giant’ is a cultivated Southwest native plant that was selected out of hundreds of specimens and multiple generations to meet the needs of the built environment.

Hesperaloe x funifera ‘Little Giant’ is a cross between Hesperaloe funifera and parviflora. It has many of the same characteristics of Giant Hesperaloe, but it boasts a dwarf 4’ x 4’ stature and 7 feet tall matte pink flower plumes. In contrast, Hesperaloe funifera can reach a size of 8’ x 8’, with flower stalks up to 15 feet tall. ‘Little Giant’ is self-infertile which allows it to have an extraordinarily long bloom season from April to September. ‘Little Giant’s’ long bloom season not only adds to the aesthetic of the landscape, but also provides an extended nectar season for native pollinators. Hummingbirds, native bees, and Hawk Moths are just a few of the pollinators that frequent ‘Little Giant’. Long, spineless leaves grow from its base with a white thread-like fringe that grows along the margins. This texturally striking, drought-tolerant plant thrives in hot, dry areas with poor soils and is hardy down to -10℉. Because of its small stature, resilient nature, and lack of sharp spines, it is well suited for almost any commercial or residential landscape.

Civano Growers believes ‘Little Giant’ Hesperaloe will become a staple plant for Southwest landscapes. They have already increased production of ‘Little Giant’ #5 container stock and released plants to network growers and re-wholesalers in Arizona and Texas to meet the demand.

Civano Growers isn’t stopping with ‘Little Giant’. This summer, keep an eye out for Baja Fairy Duster Calliandra x california ‘Mexicali Rose’, dwarf Texas sage Lecophyllum x candidum ‘Microburst’, and a bright red dwarf Hesperaloe parviflora ‘Stoplights’. All of the new introductions are sure to impress. Civano Growers will continue to develop tough, innovative plant cultivars that are attractive, functional, and pollinator friendly.

For more information about Civano Growers, or to become a customer, please contact: (520) 746-9205 wholesale@civanogrowers.com www.civanogrowers.com