Overview

Yucca filamentosa is a shrub or tree evergreen shrub in the genus Yucca, part of the Asparagaceae family, with evergreen, sword-shaped leaves foliage. It typically grows around 1.2 m tall. Yucca filamentosa grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include coastal, architectural, city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal gardens and mediterranean climate plants. It is native to USA.

About

Yucca filamentosa is an evergreen shrub forming a low clump of stiff, strap-shaped, blue-green leaves and producing upright flower stems with pendulous cream blooms. Plants commonly reach about 1.2 m. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil and flowers in June to August. The leaves can cause skin irritation, so wear gloves and keep pets from eating the foliage.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Yucca filamentosa

About the genus

Yucca is both the scientific name and common name for a genus native to North America from Panama to southern Canada. It contains 50 accepted species. In addition to yucca, they are also known as Adam's needle or Spanish-bayonet.

Wikipedia contributors, "Yucca", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Yucca

In the garden

Native to the USA, Yucca filamentosa grows as a clump-forming evergreen with blue-green, strappy leaves and summer flower spikes that bear cream, pendulous flowers. It is a genus Yucca member used for its strong silhouette rather than dense cover. Expect mature plants to stand around 1.2 m and to be a clear vertical accent when in bloom. Plant in a sunny, open site with good drainage; it will tolerate sandy, loamy or clay soils provided they are not waterlogged. Give it full sun exposure and avoid heavy winter wet, as root health depends on free drainage. In UK terms it is fully hardy (H7) and also matches USDA zones 4–10, so it withstands severe winter cold where soils drain well. Handle with care: the foliage can provoke skin irritation, so use gloves and protective clothing when pruning or dividing, and monitor pets since ingestion is harmful. Use Yucca filamentosa as a structural focal point at the back of a sunny border, in gravel beds or where a strong vertical summer display is wanted; its cream flower clusters are most conspicuous from June to August.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Yucca

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Sandy, Loamy, Clay

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained, Moist but well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Full sun

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Yucca filamentosa size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Evergreen shrub

Habit

Shrub or tree

Foliage

Evergreen, sword-shaped leaves

Height

1.2 m

Suggested uses

Coastal, architectural, city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal gardens, Mediterranean climate plants

Native to

USA

Toxicity

Skin 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

Pruning and caring for Yucca filamentosa

Propagation

Seed, suckers

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions