- Want evergreen?
- Prefer long-lived?
- Want drought tolerant?
- Wish for a stunning architectural specimen?
- Need a Perennial that will perform in any problem spot?
- Want a spiky, permanent Perennial for planter containers that always looks faultless?
- Desire a plant that never moves, staying in one garden spot forever?
Answering YES to all of these questions leads to a logical answer: Plant Yucca.
The thick tough leaves of Yucca grow in a lovely, uniform vase shape that make a dramatic statement in every season in a garden.
Yucca’s Unique Perennial Qualities
Yucca is a native perennial so it is wildlife and disease resistant. The older the plant is, the better it looks. Propagation of very old Yucca can be difficult for the roots will be measured in yards, not feet. When harvesting, do not attempt to get starts from the parent plant but pull the smaller off-shoots from around the base. New plants will take several years to reach its blooming potential but they are well worth the wait. One bonus of having this delightful plant in the garden is the foliage is just as classy when the snow melts as the previous fall. Its tough, waxy coated leaves stay perfect.
Yucca was discovered growing in the hot dry southern deserts of the west so it is a natural xeriscape Perennial. It thrives in dry, rock mulched gardens and is often used around commercial, Southwestern style gardens or restaurants. This perennial is so care-free that it even thrives in urban areas and is pest resistant.
In June, Yucca shoots-up a powerful stem that will open, covering itself with exquisite drooping white bells. A light fragrance emits from the blooms that intensifies at night when the Yucca Moths visit the glorious flowers. Removing the tough stems after they finish blooming will keep your plant looking excellent.
