About

Produces a dense, dome-shaped rosette of narrow, spine-tipped, grey-blue, evergreen leaves, to about 1m. These comprise a stout stem with masses of scented, hanging, bell-shaped, ivory flowers in late summer. Mature plants produce massive flower spikes, potentially to 5m though usually less in gardens. Flowers and stem may be flushed with reddish-purple.

About the genus

Hesperoyucca is a diverse genus of plants that may be annual, perennial, or woody. Species are cultivated for their flowers, foliage, or architectural habit and are adapted to various climatic conditions

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitTufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toCalifornia to Mexico
FragranceFlower

Care notes

CultivationGrow outdoors in any well-drained soil in full sun. See yucca cultivation for further advice. See yucca cultivation for further advice
PruningNo pruning required. The rosette dies after flowering, and should be carefully cut away, but is usually replaced by one or more offsets
PropagationPropagate by seed or remove rooted suckers
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids on flower spikes
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to yucca leaf spot