About
This slow-growing evergreen shrub or small tree, ultimately about 5m tall, with simple or sparsely branched stems bearing terminal rosettes of sharp-pointed dark green leaves to 1m in length, with bell-shaped ivory or creamy-white flowers held about 60cm above the foliage in late spring or summer.
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, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants
Native toNE Mexico, Texas & New Mexico, USA
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 an unheated greenhouse in containers of peat-free multi-purpose compost in bright indirect light and keep just moist. Can be grown outside in the summer months in sun or part shade, water freely and use a general liquid fertiliser monthly from spring to summer. May be hardy in mild areas or inner city locations. See yucca cultivation for further information
PruningNo pruning required, remove spent flowering stems
PropagationPropagate by seed, flowers may require hand-pollination to set seed; or remove rooted suckers
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids on flower spikes and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Yucca leaf spot