Yucca whipplei (chaparral yucca) — perennial

Overview

Yucca whipplei is a perennial in the genus Yucca, part of the Asparagaceae family. It typically grows around 2.0 m tall. Yucca whipplei grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include rock gardens, xeriscaping and borders. It is native to California and Baja California.

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

Native to California and Baja California, Yucca whipplei (chaparral yucca) is a perennial adapted to sunny, exposed sites. In the UK it performs best where it receives full sun and has soil that drains freely; acceptable soils include sandy, loamy or clay types so long as they do not remain waterlogged. The species is rated H5, meaning it is hardy in most UK gardens and will tolerate typical winter conditions in milder locations. Plant into a sheltered hole with a gritty mix if your garden has heavier soil, and position where prevailing wind and sun meet to reduce winter wet around the roots. It prefers soil that is moist but well-drained rather than persistently damp. USDA zones 7–11 indicate its wider climatic tolerance, so it suits warmer British sites or those with good winter drainage. Use Yucca whipplei as a structural element in rock gardens, as part of a drought-tolerant scheme or at the back of a border where its height — around 2.0 m — will give vertical emphasis. Expect a concentrated display of fragrant flowers in the summer months (June to August) that is distinctively seasonal for this species.

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: exposed
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Yucca whipplei size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Height: 2.0 m
Suggested uses: rock gardens, xeriscaping, borders
Native to: California, Baja California
Fragrance: fragrant flowers

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Yucca whipplei

Cultivation: Prefers well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established
Pruning: Remove dead flower stalks after blooming
Propagation: seed, offsets

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Yucca whipplei?

Prefers well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established.

Where is the best place to plant Yucca whipplei?

Yucca whipplei prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.

What soil does Yucca whipplei need?

Yucca whipplei 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 do I prune Yucca whipplei?

Remove dead flower stalks after blooming.

How big does Yucca whipplei grow?

Yucca whipplei reaches a height of 2.0 m.

Is Yucca whipplei hardy in the UK?

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