What hardiness zones is Yucca filamentosa suitable for?

Yucca filamentosa is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

What are the sun requirements for Yucca filamentosa?

Yucca filamentosa requires Full Sun.

How much water does Yucca filamentosa need?

Yucca filamentosa has Very Low water needs.

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Perennials

Yucca filamentosa

yucca

Asparagaceae

Southeastern United States, from New Jersey to Florida and west to Mississippi

At a Glance

TypePerennial

HabitClumping

FoliageEvergreen

Height2-3 feet (60-90 cm), flower stalks 4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 m)

Width3-4 feet (90-120 cm)

Maturity4 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 9

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

Zone 9

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Deer Resistant

Drought Tolerant

Fragrant (moderate)

Native to North America

Maintenancevery low

Overview

Yucca filamentosa is an acaulescent evergreen perennial forming dense rosettes of sword-shaped leaves at ground level, without a significant trunk. Leaf rosettes reach 2–3 feet (60–90 cm) tall and 3–4 feet (90–120 cm) wide. Leaves are stiff, lance-shaped, 18–30 inches (45–75 cm) long and 0.75–1.5 inches (2–4 cm) wide, blue-green to gray-green, with a sharp terminal spine and distinctive curling white filaments fraying from the leaf margins — the feature that gives the species its name. Offsets (pups) form around the base over time, gradually expanding the clump. In summer, typically every 1–2 years, a single flowering stalk rises 4–8 feet (1.2–2.4 m) above the rosette bearing a large panicle of nodding, bell-shaped, creamy-white flowers 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) long. Pollination in the wild is accomplished exclusively by yucca moths (Tegeticula spp.); plants may set seed capsules 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) long when the moth is present. After flowering, the central rosette dies back but is replaced by offsets. The plant tolerates drought, poor soils, and heat once established but rots in waterlogged soils.

Native Range

Native to the southeastern United States, from New Jersey south to Florida and west to Mississippi. Found in coastal plains, sandy barrens, roadsides, and open woodland edges in well-drained, often poor soils at low elevations.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a structural specimen in dry gardens, gravel gardens, and xeriscape plantings. Used in mixed borders for year-round foliage architecture. Requires a minimum spacing of 4–5 feet (1.2–1.5 m) from walkways and play areas due to the sharp terminal leaf spines. Tolerates coastal exposure and sandy soils.

How to Identify

Identified by rosettes of stiff, sword-shaped blue-green leaves 18–30 inches (45–75 cm) long with a sharp terminal spine and prominent white curling filaments fraying from the leaf margins. The plant is acaulescent (stemless) or nearly so. Distinguished from Yucca gloriosa by the absence of a significant trunk and the presence of abundant curly white marginal filaments. Flower stalks rise 4–8 feet (1.2–2.4 m) in summer bearing nodding cream-white bell-shaped flowers.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 3'

Width/Spread3' - 4'

Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

cream

Foliage Colors

blue green

gray green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Summer

Blooms June through August in zones 4–9, with peak flowering typically in July. Flowering occurs every 1–3 years from each individual rosette; newly planted specimens typically begin flowering within 2–5 years. The flowering stalk develops over 4–6 weeks; individual flowers last 3–5 days. The full panicle extends the display to 3–4 weeks. Flowers open in the evening and are most receptive to pollination overnight.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

creamy white

Foliage Description

blue-green to gray-green with white curling filaments on margins

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sandloamrocky

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Very Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-5 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun in well-drained to dry soil; standing water and poorly drained clay soils cause crown rot and plant death. No supplemental irrigation is needed once established in most climates; excessive watering shortens plant life. Remove dead leaves from the base of the rosette annually, wearing thick gloves to avoid injury from the sharp leaf tips. After the central rosette flowers and begins to die back, remove it and allow offsets at the base to continue growth. Do not amend planting soil with organic matter, which increases moisture retention and promotes rot. In humid climates, leaf spot diseases may mark the foliage; remove affected leaves and improve air circulation.

Pruning

Remove dead or browning lower leaves by pulling them downward sharply or cutting them at the base; wear puncture-resistant gloves. Cut the spent flower stalk to the base after seed capsules have matured or once the stalk begins to brown. Remove pups (offsets) from around the base with a sharp spade if space is limited; detached pups with roots can be replanted. No other regular pruning is needed.

Pruning Schedule

early spring

Maintenance Level

very low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets