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Yucca baccata

banana yucca

a slow-growing, evergreen shrub to 1.6m tall usually seen in cultivation with a single crown of leaves; a small trunk may form as the plant ages. The blue-green, sword-shaped leaves 30-100cm long are tipped with a sharp point, curve inwards and edged with small threads. Spikes of creamy-white, bell-shaped flowers sometimes shaded purple-red are borne above the foliage in summer and may be followed by edible, banana-shaped fruit

Other common names
blue yucca
datil
see moreSpanish bayonet

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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Green
Summer Cream Purple Red White Blue Green
Autumn Blue Green
Winter Blue Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical 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
SW USA, New Mex.

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in very well drained soil in full sun; protect from excessive winter rainfall

Propagation

Propagate by seed or remove rooted suckers

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

No pruning required, but dead leaves and spent flower spikes can be removed to improve appearance

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids on flower spikes and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to leaf spot

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