Yucca aloifolia
Spanish bayonet
an evergreen shrub with a simple or sparsely branched stem bearing a terminal rosette of sharp-pointed, sword-shaped leaves, and nodding, bell-shaped white or purple-tinged flowers 8cm across in a terminal panicle
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Purple White | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Tufted
- Potentially harmful
- Skin 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
- 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
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- SE USA to Mexico
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass grow in peat-free, loam-based compost keeping just moist in winter. Grow outdoors in containers and over-winter indoors
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown in spring at 19-24°C. Flowers may need hand-pollination to set seed. Rooted suckers can be removed in spring or take root cuttings in winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
Pruning
Pruning not normally needed, but damaged leaves and spent flower spikes can be removed as necessary in the spring
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to leaf spot
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.