About
Masses of white, waxy flowers appear in late spring on tall, conspicuous flower spikes. A tall, dense, slow-growing evergreen perennial with a rosette of long, narrow, sharply pointed grey-green to blue-green foliage with white margins and white fibres. Plants in the wild can get to a height of around 5m but those grown in the UK no more than around 3m.
About the genus
Yucca can be evergreen perennials, shrubs or trees, with dense or loose rosettes of stiff, sword-shaped leaves and tall panicles of bell-shaped flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Houseplants, Patio and container plants
ToxicitySkin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs, cats): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a sheltered position in full sun, in well-drained soil or in a pot as a houseplant in well-drained, peat-free compost. Shelter from strong winds
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, stem cuttings in spring to early summer or offsets in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, scale insects and mealybugs
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to yucca leaf spot