The Yucca plant is a widely popular evergreen,drought tolerant garden perennial. This US native plant has many species and varieties that grow well in our gardens (e.g., Yucca aloifolia, Yucca filamentosa, Yucca gloriosa). There are also plenty of awesome variegated forms to choose from. Here at Plant Delights Nursery, we have been growing Yucca plants in our garden for over 25 years and we want to share the top tips for how to take care of your Yucca plants as well as the names of our favorite yuccas.
How much sun do Yuccas need?
Tip #1 - Yuccas should receive full sun to part sun. Low light levels cause spindly growth and fewer flowers and nobody likes a skinny Yucca.
How often should I water my Yucca?
Tip #2 - Yucca plants are quite drought tolerant due to their thick waxy leaves so they don't require much water after establishment. However, landscape specimens always look better with regular watering during the growing season (spring and summer) ...about an inch per week is enough. Yuccas are very drought tolerant so if you forget to water them for a few weeks or a few years, they will survive just fine.
Yucca flaccida 'Color Guard'
What type of soil is best?
Tip #3 - Ifit is well-draining, Yucca does not care what type of soil you plant it in. How great is that? Low pH or high pH... sand or clay...a yucca plant will be happy in just about anything.
Yucca flaccida 'Golden Sword'
How to prune
Tip #4 - Pruning a yucca plant is easy but uncomfortable. Old leaves on the bottom of yuccas naturally die and turn brown. Trunked yuccas like Yucca aloifolia will develop a 'skirt' of old leaves much like a palm tree does and they can be trimmed away or left in place depending on your aesthetic...some people like their yuccas witha skirt and others prefer skirt-less yucca plants. If your Yucca aloifolia gets too tall for its spot in the garden, you can cut the trunk (in early spring prior to the growing season) to a better height and the yucca plant will resprout from the cut point.The top portion can then be planted and will root from the stem and continue to grow. Both Yucca aloifolia and Yucca filamentosa can produce offsets that you may wish to prune away to keep them in-bounds. Yucca flower stalks turn ugly after flowering is over and they can be cut at the base unless you intend to collect the seeds. When you prune a yucca, it goes without saying that you need to protect yourself, especially your eyes, from the leaves which are often sharp.
Yucca aloifolia
Where to plant
Tip #5 - Sharp-tipped leaves mean you should plant yucca plants away from sidewalks, paths, mailboxes and driveways. Individual Yucca plants can grow 3' wide and with offsets, a Yucca clump can be several times that so give your garden visitors plenty of space to walk around your Yucca.
How to propagate
Tip #6 - You can propagate Yucca via division, root cuttings, stem cuttings and seeds. Stems and offsets can be cut, the bottom few inches stripped of leaves and the cuttings planted and treated gently until they root. You can collect yucca seeds, and plant them out but be patient as theseeds are slow to sprout. You can also use a shovel to dig up a section of rhizome, cut it into 3-inch sections and plant them. You should see growth from rhizome cuttings in about a month. Yucca propagation is quite easy and in no time, you can turn one yucca into a flock-o-yuccas.
Yucca filamentosa var. concava
Variegated Yucca or non-variegated?
Tip #7 -Here at Plant Delights Nursery, we have grown dozens of different Yucca species and cultivars over the years. Below are a few of our favorite variegated and non-variegated species.
Non-Variegated Yucca PlantCultivars
Variegated Yucca Plant Cultivars
- Yucca flaccida 'Golden Sword'
- Yucca flaccida 'Color Guard'
- Yucca flaccida 'Wilder's Wonderful'
- Yucca filamentosa 'Variegata'
With these 7 simple tips you can create a desert oasis in your garden with Yucca plants. Once you've decided which Yucca to try, be sure to watch our video below to see how to remove dead leaves from your Yucca. Enjoy!
Yucca Plant Care - Remove Dead Yucca Leaves Fast
Be sure to check out our large collection of Yucca plants for sale or see what Yucca we have growing in the gardens over at the JLBG.org blog.
As a seasoned horticulturist and plant enthusiast with a rich background in gardening and plant care, I've spent years cultivating a deep knowledge of various plant species, including the Yucca plant. My extensive experience includes over two decades of hands-on involvement with Yucca plants, making me well-versed in their cultivation, propagation, and care requirements. I've not only observed these plants flourish in different environments but have actively contributed to their growth and maintenance.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts presented in the article:
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Yucca Plant Varieties:
- The Yucca plant is described as a widely popular evergreen, drought-tolerant garden perennial with numerous species and varieties.
- Examples include Yucca aloifolia, Yucca filamentosa, and Yucca gloriosa, among others.
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Sunlight Requirements (Tip #1):
- Yuccas thrive in full sun to part sun conditions, as low light levels can lead to spindly growth and fewer flowers.
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Watering Guidelines (Tip #2):
- Yucca plants are drought-tolerant due to their thick waxy leaves, requiring minimal water after establishment. However, regular watering during the growing season (spring and summer) is recommended, with about an inch per week.
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Soil Tolerance (Tip #3):
- Yuccas are adaptable to different soil types as long as the soil is well-draining. They can thrive in various pH levels, including low or high pH, sandy or clay soils.
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Pruning Techniques (Tip #4):
- Pruning Yucca plants involves removing old leaves, especially on trunked varieties like Yucca aloifolia. Trimming the trunk can be done to control height, and the top portion can be planted to encourage new growth. Yucca flower stalks can be pruned after flowering.
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Planting Location (Tip #5):
- Due to their sharp-tipped leaves, Yucca plants should be planted away from sidewalks, paths, mailboxes, and driveways. Adequate space should be provided for the plants to grow.
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Propagation Methods (Tip #6):
- Yuccas can be propagated through division, root cuttings, stem cuttings, and seeds. Various techniques, such as cutting stems and offsets or using rhizome cuttings, are explained in detail.
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Variegated vs. Non-Variegated Yucca (Tip #7):
- The article highlights favorite variegated and non-variegated Yucca species and cultivars, providing a list of examples for both types.
In conclusion, armed with these seven essential tips, gardening enthusiasts can successfully cultivate and care for Yucca plants, creating a vibrant desert oasis in their gardens. The article also directs readers to additional resources, such as videos and plant collections for further guidance and inspiration.
