Yucca filifera
St. Peter's palm
eventually forms a tall, sparsely-branched evergreen tree but is usually seen in cultivation with a single, short trunk. The stiff, spine-tipped leaves, up to 50cm long, have peeling, thread-like edges and are arranged in a dense rosette. Mature plants produce large, hanging clusters of creamy, bell-shaped flowers
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Size
Ultimate height
8–12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Cream | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Yucca can be evergreen perennials, shrubs or trees, with dense or loose rosettes of stiff, sword-shaped leaves and tall panicles of bell-shaped flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mexico
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in very well-drained soil in full sun in a sheltered position, or grow under glass in gritty compost. Needs to be kept almost dry over winter
Propagation
Propagate by seed or remove rooted suckers
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
- Wall side borders
Pruning
No pruning required, but dead leaves can be removed to improve appearance. Overlarge plants can be cut back in late spring and will reshoot from the trunk
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to leaf spot
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.