Yucca recurvifolia (curved-leaved Spanish dagger) — Shrub

Overview

Yucca recurvifolia is a shrub in the genus Yucca, part of the Q157167 family. It typically grows around 2.5 m tall. Yucca recurvifolia grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is native to SE USA.

About

Yucca recurvifolia is a shrubby yucca notable for its curved, pendulous leaves and an overall height of about 2.5 m. It prefers a sunny position in well-drained soil and produces its flower spikes in June to August. The plant originates from the south-eastern United States and suits warm, exposed sites. Handle with care: the foliage can cause a skin reaction and the plant is harmful to pets if eaten.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Yucca gloriosa var. tristis

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 recurvifolia is a shrubby member of the Yucca genus, native to the south-eastern United States and commonly known as curved-leaved Spanish dagger or weeping yucca. It grows to roughly 2.5 metres and is valued for its long, curved leaves and summer flower display. The most widely used common names highlight the pendulous nature of the foliage. Give it full sun and a free-draining position; it will grow in sandy, loamy or clay soils provided they drain well or remain only moderately moist. Soil that stays waterlogged is unsuitable. The plant is rated H5 in the UK hardiness system (hardy) and corresponds to USDA zones 7–10, so it suits many parts of Britain where winters are not excessively wet and the planting site is sunny. Use Yucca recurvifolia as a vertical element in a sunny border or gravel bed where its height and leaf form can be seen clearly. It flowers in June to August, producing upright blooms that contrast with the curved leaves. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling the foliage because it can be a skin allergen, and keep the plant away from areas where children or pets might chew the leaves, as ingestion is harmful.

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: H5

Plant details

Yucca recurvifolia size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Shrub
Height: 2.5 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 recurvifolia?

Yucca recurvifolia prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.

What soil does Yucca recurvifolia need?

Yucca recurvifolia 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 recurvifolia grow?

Yucca recurvifolia reaches a height of 2.5 m.

Is Yucca recurvifolia hardy in the UK?

Yucca recurvifolia has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

Is Yucca recurvifolia 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.

More in the Yucca genus

Browse all Yucca →