About
On mature plants flowering spikes up to 1m long appear in summer and autumn bearing large numbers of creamy-white, hanging flowers. A large, upright shrub or small tree with several trunks growing from near ground level, sparsely branched. The stiff, leathery leaves are narrow, and up to 1m long.
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 typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitTufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height8-12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesMediterranean climate plants, Architectural, Patio and container plants, Houseplants, Sub-tropical
Native toMexico, Central America
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
CultivationUnder glass grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added extra grit. Water freely while in active growth and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter. May can also be grown as a patio plant and moved to a frost-free location over winter. See yucca cultivation for further advice
PruningPruning not normally needed, but damaged leaves and spent flower spikes can be removed as necessary in the spring
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown in spring at 19-24°C. Flowers may need hand-pollination to set seed. Rooted suckers can be removed in spring or take root cuttings in winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids on flower spikes, and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to yucca leaf spot