Yucca baccata - M

About the Yucca baccata - M

Yucca baccata is a slow-growing, evergreen desert plant with a bold, architectural appearance. The species forms a dense rosette of broad, rigid, blue-green leaves with coarse, curling fibres along the leaf margins and a sharp terminal point. Underground rhizomes may gradually produce multiple rosettes. In size M, this yucca is suitable as a striking outdoor plant in a sturdy container on the patio or for a sunny, very well-drained position in the garden. Size M is a commercial sales size and does not in itself provide information about age, number of rosettes, degree of rooting or flowering maturity.

Characteristics

Origin: This species is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It grows there in habitats including dry plains, rocky slopes, grasslands and open woodlands, locally at elevations exceeding 2,000 metres.

Family: Asparagaceae, the asparagus family.

Position: Yucca baccata is primarily an outdoor plant. Choose a sunny, warm and airy position where rainwater drains away quickly. Light partial shade is tolerated, but an open, sunny position encourages compact growth. In the ground, a raised or sloping site is ideal; above all, protect the plant from persistently wet winter soil.

Height: The leaf rosette typically reaches approximately 60 to 100 centimetres in height and around 1.2 to 1.5 metres in width. Older plants can form a considerably wider clump through the development of offsets. During flowering, the flower stalk may increase the total height to approximately 1.5 metres or more. Size M does not indicate the plant’s current or future height.

Flowering period: Sufficiently mature specimens may flower from late spring into early summer. The precise timing depends on climate, position and development. Size M does not indicate that the plant has already reached flowering maturity.

Flower colour: The pendent, bell-shaped flowers are creamy white to white and may have a reddish-brown or purplish tint on the outside. They are held close together in a sturdy inflorescence among or just above the leaves.

Hardiness: A mature, well-established specimen can tolerate brief drops to approximately -15 to -18 °C in very well-drained soil. Wet soil, prolonged frost and cold winds increase the risk of damage. As size M does not guarantee a particular degree of rooting, protection from approximately -10 °C is a safe precaution. Insulate the container when grown in a pot and prevent the root ball from remaining frozen or wet for prolonged periods.

Soil type: Use a lean to moderately fertile, mineral-rich and very well-drained soil. Sandy, gravelly or stony soil is suitable, and calcareous soil is also tolerated. Improve heavy clay soil generously with mineral material and preferably plant in a raised position. In a container, use an airy cactus or succulent growing medium with additional grit and ample drainage holes.

Care

Light: Full sun is the best choice, although the species also tolerates light partial shade. Gradually acclimatise a plant coming from a sheltered greenhouse or shaded environment to intense direct sunlight to prevent foliage damage.

Water: Water a newly planted Yucca and a container-grown specimen during the growing season once the growing medium has largely dried. Then water thoroughly to moisten the entire root ball and allow all excess water to drain away. A well-established specimen is highly drought tolerant. Water sparingly in winter and never allow the plant to remain in wet soil or in a saucer containing water for prolonged periods.

Fertiliser: Yucca baccata requires little feeding. If necessary, apply a suitable cactus or succulent fertiliser sparingly during active growth, following the recommended dosage on the packaging. Avoid overfeeding and nitrogen-rich fertilisers, as these may encourage overly soft growth.

Pruning: Formative pruning is unnecessary. Remove only completely dead or severely damaged lower leaves and cut back a spent flower stalk once it has fully died. Do not damage the central growing point. Wear sturdy gloves and eye protection because of the sharp leaf points.

Repotting: Preferably repot in spring when the roots clearly fill the container, the growing medium loses its structure or the plant becomes unstable. Choose a sturdy container that is only slightly larger and has ample drainage holes, and disturb the root ball as little as possible. Ensure that the leaf rosette is not planted more deeply than before.

Humidity: Low to normal humidity with free air circulation is suitable. The plant does not require increased humidity. Avoid a persistently humid, poorly ventilated environment, especially in combination with low temperatures.

Special features: The rigid leaves end in sharp points and may cause injury. Position the plant away from paths, seating areas and places where children or pets play. Sufficiently mature plants may form large, fleshy, banana-shaped fruits after successful pollination. These fruits have traditionally been used as food, but size M does not guarantee flowering or fruit production.