Overview
Yucca filamentosa is a evergreen shrub in the genus Yucca, part of the Q157167 family. It typically grows around 1.2 m tall. Yucca filamentosa grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. 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 moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Yucca filamentosa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Evergreen shrub
- Height
- 1.2 m
- 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
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Yucca filamentosa?
Yucca filamentosa prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Yucca filamentosa need?
Yucca filamentosa is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How big does Yucca filamentosa grow?
Yucca filamentosa reaches a height of 1.2 m.
Is Yucca filamentosa hardy in the UK?
Yucca filamentosa has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
Is Yucca filamentosa toxic?
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.
More in the Yucca genus
- Yucca carnerosanagiant Spanish dagger
- Yucca elatasoap tree
- Yucca filamentosa 'Elegantissima'Adam's Needle
- Yucca filamentosa 'Excalibur'
- Yucca filamentosa 'Rosenglocke'Adam's Needle
- Yucca filamentosa 'Schneefichte'Adam's needle 'Schneefichte'
- Yucca filamentosa 'Variegata'Variegated Adam's Needle
- Yucca filamentosa var. concavaneedle palm
