Yucca filamentosa

Article by Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteer Kathryn Copley

Curlyleaf Yucca is a perennial broadleaf, clumping evergreen shrub native to the Southeastern US.  It grows 3- to 8-ft. tall and 3- to 5-ft. wide. A 5- to 6-ft. tall panicle of showy, long-lasting, waxy, creamy-white, bell -shaped flowers appears in late spring to early summer. Hummingbirds, moths, small mammals, and songbirds are attracted to the plant, but it is pollinated by specialized moths called yucca moths.

Cultivars & varieties:

• ‘Bright Edge’ has leaves edged in yellow.
• ‘Colour Guard’ has a broad creamy yellow central stripe, and leaves take on a rose-pink tint in winter.
• ‘Concava Variegata’ has cream-edged leaves tinted pink in cold weather.
• ‘Garland Gold’ has leaves with a gold center stripe.
• ‘Ivory Tower’ has out-facing rather than drooping flowers.

Common names:

• Adam's Needle Yucca
• Curlyleaf Yucca
• Spoonleaf Yucca

As with yuccas in general, the Curyleaf Yucca needs little to no fertilizer, pruning, spraying or irrigation (once established) and can withstand strong winds. It can be propagated by division, root cutting, or seed.

Grow this low-maintenance yucca in full sun or partial shade. It is not particular about soil type but does require the soil to have a neutral pH and good drainage. It is susceptible to leaf spots or blight in areas with poor drainage or in periods of wet weather, and too much moisture may result in black areas on the leaf margins.

Curlyleaf Yucca is resistant to deer, rabbits, squirrels, heat, drought, salt spray, and urban conditions. It has many uses as an accent or barrier plant. It is a hardy, durable plant, but black aphids on flower stalks may ruin the flowers. It is described as being a problem for cats, dogs, and horses.

Resources

• NC Extension Gardener Toolbox- Yucca filamentosa

• Clemson Cooperative Extension- Yucca

• University of Florida- Yucca filamentosa

By Kathryn Copley, Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteer, Brunswick County, NC. For more information on gardening in Brunswick County, please call the Brunswick County Cooperative Extension Office 910-253-2610