About
A slow-growing, tree-like shrub to 5m in height, usually single-trunked and unbranched, the trunk covered with soft, grey fibrous remains of old leaf bases. Produces spine-tipped silvery-blue leaves to 60cm long, with thin yellow margins, and white flowers to 5cm long, within or just above the leaf rosette in summer.
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 typeShrubs
HabitTufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants
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 a hot, sunny, sheltered position. See yucca cultivation for further advice. 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