Overview
Yucca gloriosa 'Vittorio Emmanuele' is a evergreen shrub in the genus Yucca, part of the Asparagaceae family. It typically grows around 1.8 m tall. Yucca gloriosa 'Vittorio Emmanuele' grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include borders, xeriscaping and rock gardens. It is native to Southeastern United States.
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 'Vittorio Emmanuele' comes from the southeastern United States and develops as an evergreen shrub to roughly 1.8 m. It belongs to the Yucca genus and keeps its structure year-round, making it a clear vertical element in a garden scheme. Grow it in full sun, ideally on a south-facing site, where the plant can receive uninterrupted light. It prefers sandy or loamy soils and needs good drainage; soil described as moist but well-drained is acceptable so long as standing water is avoided. The plant is rated H6 (very hardy) for the UK and corresponds to USDA zones 6–11, so it will tolerate cold winters in most UK regions when sited appropriately. Use Yucca gloriosa 'Vittorio Emmanuele' in borders, rock gardens or xeriscaping where its evergreen form can provide structure. A position in a sunny, sheltered border or a gravel bed will suit it and reduce the risk of winter waterlogging. Expect flowering between June and August, and choose a spot where the flowering season is visible from paths or seating to make the most of its seasonal display.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Yucca
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Yucca gloriosa 'Vittorio Emmanuele' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Evergreen shrub
- Height
- 1.8 m
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Xeriscaping, Rock gardens
- Native to
- Southeastern United States
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Yucca gloriosa 'Vittorio Emmanuele'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; protect from severe frost
- Pruning
- Remove dead leaves and flower stalks to maintain appearance
- Propagation
- Offsets, Seed
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Yucca gloriosa 'Vittorio Emmanuele'?
Prefers well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; protect from severe frost.
Where is the best place to plant Yucca gloriosa 'Vittorio Emmanuele'?
Yucca gloriosa 'Vittorio Emmanuele' prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Yucca gloriosa 'Vittorio Emmanuele' need?
Yucca gloriosa 'Vittorio Emmanuele' grows best in sandy and loamy soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Yucca gloriosa 'Vittorio Emmanuele'?
Remove dead leaves and flower stalks to maintain appearance.
How big does Yucca gloriosa 'Vittorio Emmanuele' grow?
Yucca gloriosa 'Vittorio Emmanuele' reaches a height of 1.8 m.
Is Yucca gloriosa 'Vittorio Emmanuele' hardy in the UK?
Yucca gloriosa 'Vittorio Emmanuele' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Yucca gloriosa 'Vittorio Emmanuele'?
Offsets, Seed.
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
