Yuccas are the perfect plants for everyone who does not have green fingers and a memory for watering regularly! 

There are approximately 40 species of Yucca, and they tolerate a wide range of garden conditions, from a hot dry climate to being hardy enough for the odd frost. They are part of a group of plants that can be used in the garden for striking visual effects or focal points. The hardy plant is commonly used in very dry conditions and as a succulent, adaptable to most gardens, apart from the very cold. 

All plants in the garden have their own habits, shapes and textures. The Yucca is no exception, it can be used with outstanding effect when planted amongst the bushes and smaller indeterminate shrubs. 

Planted in pots or containers they are easily added to  patio’s or steps although care does need to be taken in their placement as the sharp points could be dangerous in the wrong place, for example children playing. The plants can then be moved to the sunniest spots as the seasons progress

Flowers on Yucca’s should be taken as a bonus, as some take many years to flower, so it is best to enjoy the stunning leaves and the focal point they create in a garden.Commonly white bell shaped flowers, but there are shades of yellow or orange as well,on tall stems that tower above the leaves. 

Some of them sucker very freely, so be sure the variety you choose is not going to become rampant.

Propagating is not going to be a problem as the young plants or suckers spring from either the base of the tree or in other cases from the tree trunk itself. It is then possible to detach the young plants and pot them up individually when spring arrives. These new plants may take up to 5 years or more to flower depending on the variety you have chosen. 

I have found that these plants or trees, to be fairly disease resistant but that the lower growing varieties attract snails and slugs. These are easily got rid of with the use of slug bait.

We have winter frosts, quite heavy ones, and the trees appear to suffer little. They have certainly grown relatively tall and will turn into a multi-branched tree if left alone.

Take off the lower leaves if they are in the way, or at a dangerous height, otherwise gardening becomes a risk-laden occupation.They are easily grown in pots or containers and make a striking indoor plant. Just remember the leaves do have a point to make !