Overview
Yucca filamentosa 'Elegantissima' is a evergreen shrub in the genus Yucca, part of the Q157167 family. It typically grows around 1.2 m tall. Yucca filamentosa 'Elegantissima' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to Southeastern United States.
About
Yucca filamentosa 'Elegantissima' is an evergreen shrub with stiff, strappy leaves edged by fine white filaments and a compact 1.2 m mature height. It produces upright stalks of pendulous cream flowers in June to August. The foliage has a blue‑green tone that holds through the year. Plants tend to form clumps by means of basal shoots.
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
Yucca filamentosa 'Elegantissima' originates from the southeastern United States and is a cultivated selection valued for its filmy leaf margins and compact habit. At about 1.2 m tall it keeps a manageable scale while still delivering architectural form; cream, bell-like flowers appear on upright stalks from June to August. Position in full sun on a free-draining site for best results. It will grow in sandy, loamy or clay soils provided they are not waterlogged; a moist but well-drained soil suits it as much as a drier, gritty mix. Exposure should be full sun and it tolerates a range of soil textures as long as drainage is adequate. Winter hardiness is H7 (fully hardy), corresponding broadly to USDA zones 4–10, so it withstands typical UK winter conditions when planted in a sheltered, sunny spot. Use this yucca where its form matters: south-facing borders, gravel areas or at the back of mixed beds where the blue‑green rosettes and summer flower stalks can be seen. Allow the flower stems to remain while in bloom for architectural effect, then cut them to the base once flowering has finished to neaten the clump.
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 'Elegantissima' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Evergreen shrub
- Height
- 1.2 m
- Native to
- Southeastern United States
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Yucca filamentosa 'Elegantissima'?
Yucca filamentosa 'Elegantissima' prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Yucca filamentosa 'Elegantissima' need?
Yucca filamentosa 'Elegantissima' 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 'Elegantissima' grow?
Yucca filamentosa 'Elegantissima' reaches a height of 1.2 m.
Is Yucca filamentosa 'Elegantissima' hardy in the UK?
Yucca filamentosa 'Elegantissima' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
More in the Yucca genus
- Yucca carnerosanagiant Spanish dagger
- Yucca elatasoap tree
- Yucca filamentosaneedle palm
- 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
