Overview
Yucca glauca is a perennial evergreen in the genus Yucca, part of the Asparagaceae family. It typically grows around 1.5 m tall. Yucca glauca grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to C North America.
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 glauca (soapweed) is a perennial evergreen native to central North America and valued for its upright habit and seasonal flower display. It typically reaches around 1.5 m and produces pendent, pale flowers in summer between June and August. In the UK it is classed H7, meaning it is fully hardy and tolerates exposed sites through winter. Position in full sun on a well-drained soil; the species adapts to sandy, loamy or clay soils provided drainage is good. Soil described as moist but well-drained suits it as well as drier free-draining mixes. Give a sunny aspect and avoid waterlogged planting positions; a raised bed or gentle slope can help drainage in heavier soils. Use Yucca glauca where an architectural, upright element is needed: gravel borders, prairie-style planting or a sunny mixed border where its summer flower spikes can be seen. Allow space for its mature height when siting, and note the summer flowering period of June to August. Wear gloves and eye protection when handling due to skin allergenicity, and keep away from animals that may try to eat the foliage; for further pet-safety details consult the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.
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 glauca size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial evergreen
- Height
- 1.5 m
- Native to
- C North America
- 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 glauca?
Yucca glauca prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Yucca glauca need?
Yucca glauca 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 glauca grow?
Yucca glauca reaches a height of 1.5 m.
Is Yucca glauca hardy in the UK?
Yucca glauca has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
Is Yucca glauca 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 filamentosa var. concavaneedle palm
- Yucca flaccidaAdam's needle
