Overview
Yucca filamentosa var. concava is a evergreen shrub in the genus Yucca, part of the Asparagaceae family. It typically grows around 1.2 m tall. Yucca filamentosa var. concava grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and xeriscaping. It is native to USA.
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 var. concava is an evergreen shrub native to the USA, grown for its upright habit and summer flowering. It typically reaches around 1.2 m and suits a sunny, south-facing position where the foliage and flower spikes receive maximum light. Plant in free-draining ground: it will take sandy, loamy or clay soils provided they remain well-drained or only seasonally moist. This cultivar is fully hardy in the UK (H7) and corresponds to USDA zones 4–10, so it tolerates exposed winter conditions that many tender species cannot. Give it a sunny, open site and avoid heavy, waterlogged ground to reduce root and crown issues. When handling, wear gloves and other protective equipment because the foliage can cause skin irritation; the plant is also harmful to dogs and cats if ingested — see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for detailed advice and emergency contacts. Use Yucca filamentosa var. concava in sunny borders, gravel and rock gardens or in xeriscaping schemes where a drought-tolerant-looking accent is required. Expect flower spikes to rise above the leaves and produce cream blooms in the period June to August, providing a clear seasonal display.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Yucca
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Yucca filamentosa var. concava size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Evergreen shrub
- Height
- 1.2 m
- Suggested uses
- Borders, rock gardens, xeriscaping
- 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 var. concava
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established
- Pruning
- Remove dead leaves and flower stalks to maintain appearance
- Propagation
- By seed or offsets
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Yucca filamentosa var. concava?
Prefers well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Yucca filamentosa var. concava?
Yucca filamentosa var. concava prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Yucca filamentosa var. concava need?
Yucca filamentosa var. concava 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 do I prune Yucca filamentosa var. concava?
Remove dead leaves and flower stalks to maintain appearance.
How big does Yucca filamentosa var. concava grow?
Yucca filamentosa var. concava reaches a height of 1.2 m.
Is Yucca filamentosa var. concava hardy in the UK?
Yucca filamentosa var. concava has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Yucca filamentosa var. concava?
By seed or offsets.
Is Yucca filamentosa var. concava 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.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Yucca genus
- Yucca elatasoap tree
- Yucca filamentosaneedle palm
- Yucca filamentosa 'Elegantissima'Adam's Needle
- Yucca filamentosa 'Rosenglocke'Adam's Needle
- Yucca filamentosa 'Schneefichte'Adam's needle 'Schneefichte'
- Yucca filamentosa 'Variegata'Variegated Adam's Needle
- Yucca flaccidaAdam's needle
- Yucca flaccida 'Ivory'needle palm 'Ivory'