Yucca aloifolia 'Purpurea'

RHS Plant Profile

Spanish bayonet 'Purpurea'

Synonyms

Yucca 'Blue Boy'

Shrubs

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A slow-growing, evergreen shrub to 1m, with an upright stem bearing whorls of sword-shaped, purple-tinged, leathery leaves to 30cm long. This cultivar is much smaller and less spikey than the species and makes a good container plant

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 5–10 years
Max Spread: 0.5-1 metres
Max Height: 0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H4
Drought Resistance: Yes

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Asparagaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Tufted
Potentially harmful: Skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs, cats): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
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: Unresolved

How to Grow

Cultivation

If grown outdoors in mild locations, grow in well-drained soil in full sun. In containers use a peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added extra grit. Water freely in growth and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water moderately at other times. See yucca cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown at 18°C in spring, or remove rooted suckers in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Architectural
City and courtyard gardens
Coastal
Mediterranean climate plants
Patio and container plants
Sub-tropical
Low Maintenance
Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free