Dasylirion glaucophyllum or Hidalgo Blue Sotol

Care of the shrub Dasylirion glaucophyllum or Hidalgo Blue Sotol

The genus Dasylirion, family Asparagaceae, includes 20 species of palm-like perennials native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. Some species are: Dasylirion glaucophyllum, Dasylirion acrotrichum, Dasylirion longissimum, Dasylirion serratifolium, Dasylirion texanum, Dasylirion parryanum.

Common names: Hidalgo Blue Sotol, Blue-leaf Hidalgo Sotol. This species is native to Hidalgo, Mexico.

They are plants with a short stem and a rounded crown that reach 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height in a pot and 3 meters (9.84 feet) in the garden. The leathery and long bluish-green leaves are up to 1 meter (3.28 feet) in length, have spines on the margin and a tuft of white fibers at the tip. They produce panicles of small cream-colored flowers. They bloom in summer.

These slow-growing plants are used in Mediterranean gardens as isolated specimens, in groups of 3-4 specimens, and in large pots for patios and terraces.

Dasylirion glaucophyllum needs full sun exposure and a hot, dry climate. Hidalgo Blue Sotol resists frosts down to -8 ºC (17.6 ºF).

The soil can be a mixture of 40% leaf mulch, 25% garden substrate and 35% coarse sand; It can also be 1/3 of a garden substrate, 1/3 of humus and 1/3 of clay balls. Transplant in early spring if the roots are sticking out from under the container.

Hidalgo Blue Sotol is very resistant to drought; water moderately waiting for the soil to dry out well. In winter, water very little (once a month at most).

In early spring fertilize with compost.

Blue-leaf Hidalgo Sotol does not need pruning.

Dasylirion glaucophyllum is a plant resistant to pests and diseases.

Hidalgo Blue Sotol propagates by seeds sown in spring but it's a slow process; it's recommended to acquire new plants in nurseries or in garden centers.