Furcraea longaeva misapplied
A perennial succulent forming a rosette of stiff, sword-shaped, grey-green leaves to 70cm long, and in time developing a stout trunk to 2m. At maturity, which may take 20 years or more, it produces a single, gigantic, conical flowerspike which bears both greenish-white flowers and numerous bulbils. After flowering the plant dies but can be propagated from the bulbils
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Tufted
- Genus
Furcraea are a genus of evergreen, succulent plants with long, fleshy leaves which grow upwards, similar to Yucca. Flower stalks and long and flowers range from green to white and are slightly fragranced
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mexico
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass, grow in standard cactus compost in full light with low humidity. During growth, water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly at other times. Outdoors grow in poor to moderately fertile, sharply-drained soil in full sun. Protect from winter wet
Propagation
Propagate by sowing seed at 20°C in spring, or by bulbils
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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.