Yucca aloifolia (Dagger Plant)


Botanical Information

FamilyAsparagaceae
GenusYucca
Speciesaloifolia
CategoryTropicals
TypeShrub (evergreen)
OriginSoutheastern United States of America to Mexico.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone9a - 9b
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cool season preotection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH3
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-5 to 1
Temperature (°F)23 to 34
Height1.5 - 2.5 m
Spread0.5 - 1 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodMay, June, July

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionAn evergreen tropical shrub with terminal rosettes of numerous sharp spear-shaped leaves. Branches are usually singular or in groups of two. It carries bell-shaped, white- to purple- coloured flowers.
ID CharacteristicSharp spear-shaped leaves in terminal bunches. Nodding, bell-shaped white or purple flowers spanning approximately 8 cm across in terminal bunches.
LandscapeIt can be used in drought resistant urban areas, as urban architectural accents, as potted patio shrubs, in courtyard gardens and as a standalone container plant.
PropagationPropagation by seed or by cuttings. Sow seeds in spring when temperatures remain between 19° - 24° C. Roots can be cut in the winter, or root suckers can be taken at any time in the spring.
CultivationThrives in a loam-based compost, but can tolerate chalky soil or sand. It can grow well in soils of any acidity. The soil should be slightly moist but keep the soil overall well-drained. In the spring, summer and autumn grow outside in containers. In the winter grow indoors under glass.
PestsAphids and snails are known to feed on the foliage. Its leaves can be susceptible to leaf spots.
Notable SpecimensMuttart Conservatory, Edmondton, Alberta, Canada.
Bark/Stem DescriptionSmooth and gradually scaly as it nears the foliage.
Leaf DescriptionSharp, pointed, blade-like leaves gathered in terminal rosettes.
Flower DescriptionNodding bell-shaped flowers. The flowers come in terminal panicles measuring approximately 8 cm in width.
Colour DescriptionIts leaves are a mix of a deep blue-green and a vivid true green. The pointed ends of the leaves brown-yellow with age as new foliage develops. Flowers can vary in colour from white to purple, or any mixture thereof in between.
Texture DescriptionSmooth bark that gradually becomes more scale-like as it approaches the foliage. Can be compared to the smoothness of bamboo.

Photographs