Yucca gloriosa var. tristis tristis, weeping yucca
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Perennials

Yucca gloriosa var. tristis tristis

weeping yucca

Asparagaceae

Southeastern United States, North Carolina south to Florida along Atlantic and Gulf coasts

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m), flower stalks 8-12 feet (2.4-3.7 m)
Width4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m)
Maturity5 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

6 - 10
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
Zone 10
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 gloriosa var. tristis is a caulescent evergreen perennial forming a rosette of flexible, arching leaves atop a gradually developing trunk that reaches 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m) tall over many years. The full plant with flower stalk can reach 8–12 feet (2.4–3.7 m). Leaves are sword-shaped, 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) long and 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) wide, blue-green to gray-green, with a sharp terminal spine; var. tristis is distinguished from the species by its flexible leaf texture and pendulous, downward-arching leaf tips rather than the rigid, upright leaves of Y. gloriosa. Marginal teeth are small and inconspicuous, absent the prominent white filaments of Y. filamentosa. Offsets form at the base. In summer, a flower stalk rises 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m) above the rosette bearing a large panicle of nodding, creamy-white to pale pink-tinged flowers 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) long. Flowering occurs every 1–3 years from each rosette. The plant tolerates salt spray, coastal exposure, and extended drought once established but is sensitive to poorly drained soils.

Native Range

Yucca gloriosa is native to the southeastern United States, from North Carolina south to Florida along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Found on coastal dunes, sandy soils, and barrier islands. The variety tristis shares this native range. Plants tolerate salt spray and coastal wind.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a bold architectural specimen in dry gardens, gravel gardens, and coastal landscapes. Used in mixed borders for year-round structural foliage interest. Requires a minimum spacing of 4–5 feet (1.2–1.5 m) from walkways due to sharp terminal spines. The weeping leaf form provides a distinct silhouette compared to upright yucca species.

How to Identify

Distinguished from Yucca gloriosa (species) by flexible, pendulous leaf tips that arch downward rather than remaining rigidly upright. Leaves are 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) long, blue-green with a sharp terminal spine and small marginal teeth but no prominent white curling filaments (distinguishing it from Y. filamentosa). The plant forms a trunk over time, typically 2–4 feet (60–120 cm) tall in mature specimens. Flower stalks bear nodding creamy-white to pale pink-tinged bells in summer.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4' - 6'
Width/Spread4' - 6'

Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white
cream
pink

Foliage Colors

blue green
gray green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks
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Summer
Blooms July through September in zones 6–10, typically every 1–3 years from each individual rosette. The flower stalk develops over 4–6 weeks; individual flowers last 3–5 days and open in the evening. The full panicle extends the display to 3–4 weeks. Newly established plants typically begin flowering within 3–6 years. After flowering, the central rosette declines and is replaced by basal offsets.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

creamy white to pale pink-tinged

Foliage Description

blue-green to gray-green with sharp terminal spine; leaf tips pendulous

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

3-6 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun in well-drained to dry soil; the plant does not tolerate waterlogged soils or heavy clay without amendment and elevated planting. No supplemental irrigation is required once established in most temperate climates; overwatering causes root and crown rot. Remove dead lower leaves annually by cutting them flush to the trunk. After the central rosette flowers and begins to decline, cut the spent stalk to the base and allow basal offsets to assume dominance. Leaf spot diseases can develop in humid conditions; remove affected leaves. The sharp terminal leaf spines cause puncture wounds; plant away from high-traffic areas.

Pruning

Remove dead or fully browned lower leaves by cutting them flush to the trunk or stem. Cut spent flower stalks to the base after the display ends. Remove basal offsets with a sharp spade at the base of the trunk if space is limited; offsets with intact roots can be replanted. No other regular pruning is required.

Pruning Schedule

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early spring

Maintenance Level

very low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets