About
This tree-like shrub to around 3.5m high, with one or more woody stems, and a near spherical rosette of narrow, smooth, spine-tipped, blue-green leaves, 60-90cm long and 1.3-2.5cm wide, rigid near the stem but flexible after the widest point, so that they move in even a slight breeze. The flowering stalk is up to 1.5m long with white flowers in summer or autumn.
About the genus
Yucca can be evergreen perennials, shrubs or trees, with dense or loose rosettes of stiff, sword-shaped leaves and tall panicles of bell-shaped flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeTrees
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Architectural, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toUSA (Texas) to Mexico
FragranceFlower
ToxicitySkin 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
Care notes
CultivationGrow outdoors in neutral to alkaline, well-drained soil in full sun, in a hot, sheltered position. See yucca cultivation for further advice
PruningNo pruning required, remove spent flowering stems
PropagationPropagate by seed, flowers may require hand-pollination to set seed; or remove rooted suckers
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids on flower spikes, and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to yucca leaf spot