Nolina nelsonii, Blue Beargrass, is a medium-sized arborescent Nolina from the Mexican state of Tamaulipas where it grows to elevations of around 2700m. It has highly attractive architectural rosettes of glaucous strap-like leaves that can be as long as 1m in length. A large accomodating space should therefore be finalised before planting as they are difficult to transplant once they have put their roots down. Tough, drought-tolerant and hardy down to at least -12C, Nolina nelsonii is an ideal choice for a sunny position that has excellent drainage and where something just a little bit different is required.

Reasonably quick growing, they will form large sculptural specimens in just a few years.

Nolinas need a very free-draining, sandy, gritty soil. They often grow on sloping montane gradients where the moisture runs off quickly. A raised bed or sloping aspect with excellent drainage is ideal.