How to Grow Great Yucca Plants in the Garden

Everything you need to know about Growing and Caring for Yucca Plants such as Soapweed,
Spanish Dagger, Spanish Bayonet, and Adam's needle

The Yucca Plant is a hardy or half-hardy perennial. The genus contains up to 50 species and these
can range in height from 30 cm to 2.5 m (1 foot to 8 feet).

 
Yucca angustissima -  Narrow Leaf Yucca Plant by brewbooks.

Yuccas typically have very thick woody stems, and spiky sword shaped leaves leaves. They bloom
from the middle of summer through autumn, when they carry white flowers.

Some common names for the Yucca plant include Soapweed, Spanish Dagger, Spanish Bayonet
and Adam's needle.

If you have children or pets it may not be a good idea to grow yucca plants in the garden, as they
have razor sharp leaves that can easily hurt people and animals.

The following video gives an overview of this plant

Quick Yucca Plant Growing Guide

Common Names: Yucca: Pale; Spineless; Spoonleaf; Palm; Banana. Adam’s Needle, Soapweed,
Joshua Tree, Ghosts in the graveyard, Spanish Bayonet, Spanish Dagger, Palma China, Datil.

Life Cycle: Hardy perennial. Half hardy perennial.

Height: 12 to 120 inches (30 to 300 cm).

Growing Season: Spring and Summer

Native: Americas.

Growing Region: Zones 3 to 10.

Flowers: Middle of summer through to autumn.

Flower Details: White, cream. Droopy. Soap like fragrance.

Foliage: Evergreen. Rosettes. Sword-like. Sharp.

Sow Outside: Seeds: Cover. Spring. Can be planted singly; between 18 to 60 inches (45 to 150 cm)
depending upon species size.

Sow Inside: Germination time: one month to one year. Temperature: 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C).
Towards the end of winter or the start of spring. Grow seedlings indoors for two years. Transplant
outdoors in the spring, once night-time temperatures do not fall below 45°F (7°C).

Requirements and Plant Care: Full sunlight. Good drainage. Can survive in dry and poor soils. Soil
pH 5.5 to 7.5. Generally easy to care for but caution required: always wear protective, preferably
chain mail or similar gloves when caring for Yucca Plants. Tidy leaves up to stop from becoming
scruffy. Propagate: by planting offsets or from root cuttings.

Miscellaneous: Leaves can be very sharp, think seriously about the safety of children and animals
before growing yucca in the garden. Yucca plants bloom at night. The plants have mutualistic
relationship with the Yucca moth, which acts as a pollinator and lays eggs in the plant. Other
Lepidoptera that are attractive to these plants include the Yucca, Ursine and Strecker’s Giant
Skipper. Red Yucca (Hesperaloe parvifolia) is not a true yucca, but is actually a member of the
Agave family.

How to Grow Yucca - An In-depth Look

Plants have large, stiff, and sword like rosette leaves, are a genus of perennial trees and shrubs
from the family Asparagaceae, and are contained within the subfamily Agavoideae.

Yucca Distribution

Plants are native to the dry and hot parts of South, Central and North America, and to the
Caribbean. They are currently one of the main gardening trends in the United Kingdom when it
comes to landscaping and home garden plants.
There are nine species and 24 subspecies of Yucca, and their distribution covers a vast area of
Central and North America.

Yuccas have adapted to a vast range of ecological and climatic conditions, as is demonstrated by
its distributional spread from the Gulf of Mexico to the drier central states such in Alberta in
Canada, and through to the inland neighboring states and the Atlantic coastal.

Plants are found in badlands and rocky deserts, in grassland and prairies, in light woodland, in
mountainous regions, in semi-temperate and subtropical zones, and even in coastal sands (Yucca
filamentosa); though these areas are generally arid to semi-arid.

 
Photograph by Terren in Virginia.

Yucca Plant Uses

Yuccas are generally known as ornamental plants in gardens. There are also several yucca species
that bear edible parts, such as their flowers, Young flower stalk, and flowering stem, seeds, fruits
and roots.

The use of yucca roots as food often comes from the confusion with the same spelled, yet
unrelated to yucca botanically, Manihot esculenta, commonly known as Cassava.

That said there are many yucca plant uses, for example: the roots of Yucca elata(soaptree yucca),
are rich in saponins and are used in Native American rituals as a shampoo.
Trunk fibers and dried yucca leaves makes the plant perfect for use in fires that are started
through fiction, as they have a low ignition temperature.

Species such as Yucca filamentosa, in rural Appalachian areas, are coined as “meat hangers”, as its
sharp spiny tips and tough fibrous leaves are used in puncturing meat, as well as knotted in order
to form a loop wherein meat can be hung in smoking houses, or for salt curing.

Yucca Pollination and its Relationship with Moths and Butterflies

The mutualistic pollination system of Yuccas is very specialized, as they are pollinated by the Yucca
moths from the family Prodoxidae.

Yucca moths will transfer the pollen purposely from the stamen of one plant to the stigma of
another plant, whilst laying eggs in the flower at the same time.

The moth larva will then feed on some of the developing seeds; there are more than enough seeds
left to perpetuate the species.

Different species of Yucca serve as host plants for the caterpillar of the Ursine Giant-Skipper
(Megathymus ursus), Yucca Giant-Skipper (Megathymus yuccae), and Strecker's Giant-Skipper
(Megathymus streckeri).
Prodoxus decipiens  Bogus Yucca Moth photograph by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren, CC.

See this page for information on growing butterfly garden plants.

 Common Types of Yucca Plants

 Yucca baccata. Also known as the Banana Yucca due to the shape of its fruits; these can
be eaten and baked like a sweet potato. “Datil yucca” is the other term for this variant in
some locations, as the plant has some resemblance to an Agave. It has shorter trunk and
 bluer or more glacous folialge compared to other yuccas such as the Mojave yucca. It
grows five feet and up in dry soil and full sun. Purple and off-white flowers will start to
appear from mid-April to July.

 Yucca carnerosana (Yucca faxoniana). This variety can grow 12 feet tall by six feet wide
and is native in Mexico and Texas. It grows in part shade and full sun in zones 8a to 11,
although gardeners from zone 6 particularly in Denver, CO are reported to be growing
yucca successfully. They produce white flowers that will turn into a pretty shade of pink in
mid to late spring when the plant blooms.

 Yucca glauca. Produces grey to green leaves that form two foot mounds across the dry
South-western part of the United States. This variety requires a dry climate and sandy soil
in order to bloom. Flower stalks shoot will start to appear in early summer from the
plant’s crown. Each stalk can produce up to 15 aromatic, greenish white flowers. The
crown of the plant will die after blooming.

 Yucca pallida. This variety is alternatively referred to as pale yucca due to its grey-green or
blue-green leaves that form a rosette one or two inches tall. It is natively grown in Texas.
Pale-leaf yucca can tolerate partial shade and full sun and its white flowers will start to
appear in mid-summer; these are held on upright stalks a couple of inches from the leaf
tips.

 Yucca rigida. A beautiful yucca palm that is also called as Blue yucca or Palmilla due to its
striking blue-gray leaves; these go well with its creamy yellow flower clusters. It is known
to be enduring of zones eight to ten, and has also been reported as surviving the Phoenix,
Arizona winters. The branching canes of Yucca rigida can grow up to 15 feet tall and six
feet wide.

 Yucca rostrata. Another type of beautiful blue yucca, which is commonly called the Blue
Beaked yucca plant. It can be grown in cold places even in zone 5, as has been recorded in
New York State and is one of the most cold hardy amongst the Yucca species.

 Yucca rupicola. Fascinating type of yucca as its leaves are unique from that of other yucca
leaves. The leaves are dark green in colour; strap shaped, two inches wide, and form
rosettes not greater than two feet tall. It is also termed as the Twisted-leaf yucca due to
the ability of its leaves to twist with age. Yucca rupicola features red or white edges as well
as curly white hairs, which are yuccan fiber. It can grow in partial shade and full sunlight
and is native in Texas.

 Yucca schidigera. Also known as Mojave yucca, this is basically a yucca tree. One of its
common names is Spanish Dagger because of the sharpness of the tips of its yellow-green
leaves. Its heavy canes can reach around six to 12 inches when the plant matures and will
produce white flowers with a purple tinge. Yucca schidigera should be planted well away
from foot traffic. It is closely related with Yucca baccata, and hybridizes freely with it; they
both inhibit the same range. Yucca schidigera is native to the Sonoran and Mojave deserts
of Arizona, Nevada and California.
  Yucca gigantea (Synonyms: Yucca elephantipes and Y. guatemalensis). this is the tallest if
the yuccas and can reach heights of thirty feet (9 M). It is commonly referred to as the
Giant, Spineless, or Soft-tip Yucca. It blooms with white flowers in the summer. The Yucca
elephantipes plants are drought-tolerant and often grown indoors as house-plants when
they are young.

Further Reading and References

Wikipedia; Yucca Moths; GardenWeb; Ask the Gardener; Utah State Extension; Yucca Taxonomy.

Some species, such as Yucca elephantipes, can have spreads of well over 6 M. Photograph
byWallygrom.

Growing Plants

Yucca plants (shrubs variety) can be grown both indoors and out. Bigger varieties are planted
outdoors whilst smaller ones can occupy spaces indoors.

Grow in indirect light close to a South facing window (1.5 m, 5 feet distance). If you have an East
facing window then place them on the window shelf so that they get the morning light> Or if they
receive late evening light from a west facing window place them about 50 to 80 cm (1.5 to 2.5
feet) away.
They can also be planted in pots and containers as well as in garden beds, depending on what is
available to the gardener. Many people enjoy growing yucca plants indoors because they are low
maintenance and have the ability to clean the air. They are also used as decorations to enhance a
home and perhaps give it a Southwestern USA theme.

Growing Location and Soil Condition

Choose a location that has access to full sun. Although Yuccas can tolerate partial shade, they grow
best under full sunlight.

The soil should be somewhat dry and well-drained as the roots of Yuccas rot easily in wet soil.

Growing Yucca Plants from Seeds

If you want to grow Yucca tree from seed then it is best to first start indoors. Yucca seeds take
anything from one month to one year to germinate, and are best sown at the end of winter.

Germinate Yucca at 18 to 25 degrees centigrade (65 to 77°F) and initially grow them indoors for
about three years.

It is best to keep Yucca indoors in a safe place if you have children or pets, but if required in the
garden then transplant them outdoors a few weeks after the last chance of any frost in the spring.

Growing in Pots and Containers

Yuccas are not overly fond of pot cultivation, but they are usually fine when large pots are used.

Use a three liter rose pot for a young seedling up to three years of age. For older plants, use ten
liter pots or bigger.

Make sure the growing spot is located to have access to full sun, as Yuccas planted indoors with
limited light and root run often have a dwarfish look. Though this look is actually a desirable one
for some indoor yucca species.

The following video provides useful advice on cultivating Yucca plant

How to Grow Yucca Outdoors

It is probably easiest to purchase plants from a garden Centre or to plant Yucca from cuttings or
offsets.

Depending on the species, space at 45 to 60 cm apart (18 to 24 inches — small), 60 cm to 90 cm

(24 to 36 inches — medium), or up to 1.2 metres (4 feet) apart or in isolation for larger varieties.

Ideally they should be grown in a sunny area that has a poor soil with excellent drainage, and a pH
of 5.5 to 7.5.

Soil Preparation in Raised Beds

Raised Beds: Outdoor planting for most species requires well-drained raised beds. Although some
varieties can be grown unprotected, some beds need to be protected against winter moisture.
Species that can be grown in unprotected beds include Yucca glauca, Yucca filamentosa, Yucca
'Karlsruhensis', Yucca flaccida, Yucca angustissima ssp. kanabensis, and several hybrids such as
Yucca 'Hybrid No. 1402' and 'Hybrid No. 500'.

The constructed beds must be raised so as to lean towards the sun, so that the plants get as much
light as possible.

The usage of granite boulders is advisable to help raise the bed above the subsoil. There should be
a 17 to 40 cm (7 to 16 inches) layer of granite stones in the bottom of the beds, and 5 cm (two
inches) layer of gravel on top of this.

Use a 2.5 to 5 cm (one to two inches) layer of 1 cm (½ inch) sized granite chippings to top dress, as
this can help keep the root neck dry.

Planting

After digging a hole with the use of shovel to inspect the soil type, add small pebbled gravel or
sand to implement the soil where the yucca is about to be planted. To do this, dig a hole that is
twice as deep and wide as the root ball of the yucca plant.

Put the extracted soil into a huge container or bucket, and add gravel or sand to the soil to make
the planting bed 50 percent gravel/sand and 50 percent soil.

Placing some organic matter is beneficial; add more gravel or sand mixture if the soil has a heavy
clay base to increase the drainage.

Place (5 to 8 cm (two to three inches) of the soil mixture into the bottom of the hole, and put the
root ball of the Yucca plant on top of it. Ensure that the plant is straight and centered. Fill in
around the root ball with the remaining soil mixture until it reaches the soil surface level.

Gently press the soil to release any pockets of air. Sprinkle light water on the plant. Additional
water can be added two to three weeks after planting.

Yucca Plant Care and Pruning

How to care for a yucca plant

Outdoor Yucca plant care: Plants prefer dry soil that has full access to the sun. Avoid overwatering
the plant as this can cause rotting of the roots.

Cut off all the dead leaves in order to keep the plant neat. Make sure to wear heavy gloves to
prevent the leaves from cutting your hands.

Yuccas are not fond of being transplanted, so make sure that you will choose the right location
before planting them. A once a year feeding is sufficient as Yuccas survive well in areas of low
nutrients and are light eaters.

For potted houseplant

Yucca plant care indoors: make sure that the plant has sufficient access to intense light. Use heavy
pots as Yuccas tend to be heavy in both their stem and foliage.
When watering, simply sprinkle water on the top of the plant if the soil feels dry. Although yuccas
do not prefer to watered heavily, draught or lack of water can cause the leaves to turn brown or
yellow. Other than pruning a Yucca plant it pretty much cares after itself.

Houseplants may require a low-nitrogen fertilizer a couple of times per year. When grown
outdoors, apply a time-release fertilizer in a circle around about where you expect the roots to be.

It is important to tidy plants regularly.

As they have very sharp foliage ensure that you wear protective chain mail or very tough gloves
when doing any pruning or removal of yucca plants as they can easily cut off a finger!

Similar to many other plants, Yuccas are best pruned right before they enter the growth period,
which is usually in early spring, though this period can be extended to the beginning of summer.

Cutting off the flower stalks after the blooms have faded is also necessary to ensure a tidy
appearance. With the use of a sharp cutters or pruning shears, cut the stalk off at about 7 to 10 cm
(three to four inches) above where the stalk had emerged from the main stem.

Make sure that the plant receives a lot of light when it is recovering.

Propagation of Yucca Plant from Cuttings

When propagating it is important to use mature tissue (in order to prevent root rot), and to
perform the propagation in the spring.

Cut off the leafy top after marking the trunk, remove all of the upper leaves, and then plant the
trunk in potting soil with the end that formerly had the leaves pointing up.

Now relocate the pot to a shady area. The trunk is expected to have rooted itself within two to
three weeks of planting, and will start to produce new leaves.

Troubleshooting Problems - Pests and Diseases

After a wet warm winter, rust fungus can occur. This can be prevented by protecting the plants
against heavy winter moisture with the use of a sheet of glass.

Slugs and snails can wreck havoc to Yucca seedlings. Use common insecticide to get rid of these
pests.

Red-orange spores or lesions of the leaves are indications of a fungal disease. The infected leaves
must be removed immediately in order to prevent further spreading.

Speckling on the leaves, as well as gray webs, are signs of spotted mites. In order to control this
infestation, use insecticidal soaps and prune dead leaves off the plant.

Further Pages on Yuccas on GardenersHQ

In addition to this general Yucca plant growing guide page, the Gardener's HQ website also carries
basic Yucca growing information and photographs on the following species specific pages:
       Yucca aloifolia   |   Spanish bayonet

       Yucca baccata   |   Banana yucca

       Yucca brevifolia   |   Joshua tree

       Yucca elata   |   Soap tree

       Yucca elephantipes   |   Spineless yucca

       Yucca filamentosa   |   Adam's needle and thread

       Yucca filamentosa Bright Edge   |   Needle palm 'Bright Edge'

       Yucca filamentosa Color Guard   |   Adam's needle

       Yucca glauca   |   Small soapweed

       Yucca gloriosa   |   Spanish dagger

       Yucca recurvifolia   |   Pendulous

       Yucca rostrata   |   Beaked yucca

       Yucca schidigera   |   Palmilla

       Yucca thompsoniana   |   Thompson's yucca

Get the Gardener's HQ Newsletter