Yucca glauca
Great plains yucca, Soapweed yucca, Plains soapweed, Bear grass, Small soapweed
Also known as Yucca angustifolia
- Height × spread
- 1m × 0.7m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Flowers
- Summer
Availability
Generally available in late Spring & Summer
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a spiky looking yucca that makes a rounded shape with narrow leaves that are held in a rigid fan. It will gradually develop a short trunk so, with age, the rounded effect of the leaves becomes more apparent. The edges of the leaves have fine cotton-like threads which whorl out from them, an effect which is particularly noticeable in the winter. In some years it will flower in August, putting up a tall flower spike from the centre of the clump. The flowers have a fragrance that is particularly noticeable at night. The yucca needs a warm very dry sunny site and it only flowers if the summer is hot and dry enough. Excluding the flower spike it reaches around 1m (3ft) height with a 70cm (2ft 6in) spread.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Grey
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, fragrant
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 1m
- Spread
- 0.7m
- Season of interest
- Summer
- Flowers in
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Seaside garden, Scented garden, Mediterranean garden, Indoors, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam (normal), Poor soil, Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Architectural, Deer resistant, Rabbit resistant
- Hazards
- Yes, leaves are prickly and potentially harmful; Humans: Skin allergen
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during dry periods
For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Spring - late · Planting
Divide when too large
When the plant is too large clumps may be divided into two or more pieces. Rhizomes can be cut, whilst small bulbs or offsets are detached. The new plants can be grown in a container or planted in the ground.
Winter
Winter · Outdoors
Water lightly during dormancy
The soil should be kept just moist during the plant's rest period.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Found in
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