Yucca recurvifolia 'Variegata' (Curve-Leaf Yucca)

Overview

Yucca recurvifolia 'Variegata' is a garden plant in the genus Yucca, part of the Q157167 family. It typically grows around 2.5 m tall. Yucca recurvifolia 'Variegata' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5.

About

Yucca recurvifolia 'Variegata' is a trunk-forming yucca notable for its recurved, arching leaves and a branching habit that can reach around 2.5 m. It favours a sunny position and will grow in sandy, loamy or clay soils provided they drain freely. Rated H5 (hardy) in the UK and corresponding to USDA zones 7–10, it tolerates a range of climates where winter wet is avoided. Flowering occurs from June to August.

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 'Variegata' belongs to the Yucca genus and produces a tall, architectural outline as stems mature and branch, typically reaching about 2.5 m. The leaves are characteristically curved rather than rigidly upright, so the plant develops an unmistakable silhouette as it forms a short trunk and side shoots. Place it in full sun where soil is free-draining; it will accept sandy, loamy or clay soils so long as they do not remain waterlogged. Aim for a site that dries between waterings because the cultivar prefers moist but well-drained conditions rather than persistent damp. It carries an H5 rating — hardy in most of the UK — and matches USDA 7–10, so choose a sheltered, sunny spot in colder districts. As a garden element it works strongly as a single specimen or grouped in gravel and alpine-style beds to show its form. It also suits larger containers in milder areas where roots can be kept dry in winter. Flowers appear June to August; cut back spent flower stalks once seed has formed or before to keep the crown tidy and to encourage basal growth beneath the trunk.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Yucca

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil moisture: Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Yucca recurvifolia 'Variegata' size, habit and characteristics

Height: 2.5 m

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Yucca recurvifolia 'Variegata'?

Yucca recurvifolia 'Variegata' prefers full sun.

What soil does Yucca recurvifolia 'Variegata' need?

Yucca recurvifolia 'Variegata' 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 'Variegata' grow?

Yucca recurvifolia 'Variegata' reaches a height of 2.5 m.

Is Yucca recurvifolia 'Variegata' hardy in the UK?

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

More in the Yucca genus

Browse all Yucca →