Yucca baccata
banana yucca
a slow-growing, evergreen shrub to 1.6m tall usually seen in cultivation with a single crown of leaves; a small trunk may form as the plant ages. The blue-green, sword-shaped leaves 30-100cm long are tipped with a sharp point, curve inwards and edged with small threads. Spikes of creamy-white, bell-shaped flowers sometimes shaded purple-red are borne above the foliage in summer and may be followed by edible, banana-shaped fruit
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Cream Purple Red White | Blue Green | ||
| Autumn | Blue Green | |||
| Winter | Blue Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
- SW USA, New Mex.
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in very well drained soil in full sun; protect from excessive winter rainfall
Propagation
Propagate by seed or remove rooted suckers
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
No pruning required, but dead leaves and spent flower spikes can be removed to improve appearance
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to leaf spot
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