Overview
Yucca gloriosa is a evergreen shrub in the genus Yucca, part of the Asparagaceae family. It typically grows around 1.8 m tall. Yucca gloriosa grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is native to SE 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 gloriosa is an evergreen shrub from the south‑eastern USA that typically grows to around 1.8 m in cultivation. In the UK it flowers from June to August, providing a defined summer display where it suits a sunny position. Position it in full sun on sandy or loamy soil with good drainage; the species also tolerates soils described as moist provided they remain well drained. In UK terms it carries an H6 rating, which is described as very hardy, so it will withstand typical winter conditions across much of Britain when given a warm, exposed situation. Plant where its summer flowering can be appreciated from paths or seating areas and avoid low, waterlogged ground. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling, since contact can cause skin allergy, and keep the plant out of reach of pets because it is harmful if eaten. When siting, consider that the flowering window is June to August so blooms can be placed to advantage in summer sightlines.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Yucca
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Yucca gloriosa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- evergreen shrub
- Height
- 1.8 m
- Native to
- SE 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 gloriosa?
Yucca gloriosa prefers full sun.
What soil does Yucca gloriosa need?
Yucca gloriosa grows best in sandy and loamy soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How big does Yucca gloriosa grow?
Yucca gloriosa reaches a height of 1.8 m.
Is Yucca gloriosa hardy in the UK?
Yucca gloriosa has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
Is Yucca gloriosa 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
