Plant Type

Shrub, Succulent, Cactus

 

Height Range

6-12', 12-25'

 

Flower Color

White

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Grey Green, Light Green

 

Bark Color

Tan

 

Fruit Color

Brown

 

Fruit Season

Summer, Persistent

Sun

Full

 

Water

Very Low

 

Growth Rate

Slow

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Thorns/Spines

Design Styles

Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Native Garden

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Silhouette, Specimen, Unusual Shape

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring

 

Location Uses

Background, Entry, With Rocks

 

Special Uses

Naturalizing

 

Attracts Wildlife

Hummingbirds

Soaptree Yucca has slender blades that grow to four feet long, developing white threads along margins as they mature. Old leaves turn yellow and bend down, forming an attractive barrier around trunk. Flowers form on stalks emerging from central portion of each branch, growing 4 to 6 feet above foliage. Flowers are white and bell-shaped, blooming in the spring. Brown seed pots form after flowering, providing another season of interest. Slow growth to 6 to 20 feet tall with a spread of 12 feet.

This yucca is native to the Chihuanhuan Desert and is hardy to 0F. Most yuccas have fibrous roots; this has taproot and makes it very difficult to transplant. Keep winter dry. Requires well drained, deep soil; do not grow in gravel. Requires no supplemental water after establishment, though periodic watering will increase growth rate. Full sun. Listed as a USDA Zone 6 plant, so local in an area sheltered from winter winds.