Chalky limestone is a term used to describe many soils in the desert southwest, U.S.A. This soil in alkaline, pH>7, usually 7.5-8.5. Test your soil and add the product available in your area to raise the pH to the needed range.
Ten-twelve inches of rain a year is sufficient, more will cause excessive growth. All yuccas have very deep taproots. Most Yuccas will take temperature down to 15 degrees occasionally.

You might have more luck if you search hesperaloe. You don't have a yucca even though its called a 'red yucca'. These are hardier than you think. Good luck.

Cool! I took some seeds from a hesperaloe yesterday. (The plant is growing in the landscaped area of a health food store.) I thought it looked like a yucca, but didn't think that it was. Glad you asked the question, Doonboggle, and thanks for the the info, Flattie!

Lorna

Good luck guys.