- Botanical name: Yucca elata
- Common name: Soaptree
- Family: Asparagaceae
- Plant Type: Tree, Evergreen
White
Green
Silver
- Key features:
- Dramatic foliage
- Flowers
The soaptree or palmella, Yucca elata, is a spectacular evergreen native to the southwestern states of Northern America, such as New Mexico and Arizona, as well as the northern states of Mexico. Despite these hot origins, Yucca elata is extremely hardy, reputedly to as low as -25ºC.
In the UK, it makes an eye-catching addition to a gravel garden or sunny herbaceous border. Surrounded by jewel-like flowers like salvias and echiums, the spiky, silvery foliage can’t be missed.
For best results, grow Yucca elata in full sun in very well-drained, ideally alkaline soil – you can incorporate limestone chippings when planting to achieve this. A sheltered spot out of any strong winds is best.
How to grow Yucca elata
-
Plant size
2m height
1.5m spread
-
Aspect
South facing
-
Position in border
Middle
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Hardiness: Hardy
- Soil type: Chalky / alkaline / well drained / light / sandy
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
J
Do not Plant in January |
F
Do not Plant in February |
M
Do not Plant in March |
A
Do not Plant in April |
M
Do Plant in May |
J
Do Plant in June |
J
Do not Plant in July |
A
Do not Plant in August |
S
Do not Plant in September |
O
Do not Plant in October |
N
Do not Plant in November |
D
Do not Plant in December |
| Flowers | ||||||||||||
| Flowers |
J
Plant does not flower in January |
F
Plant does not flower in February |
M
Plant does not flower in March |
A
Plant does not flower in April |
M
Plant does flower in May |
J
Plant does not flower in June |
J
Plant does not flower in July |
A
Plant does not flower in August |
S
Plant does not flower in September |
O
Plant does not flower in October |
N
Plant does not flower in November |
D
Plant does not flower in December |
Yucca elata and wildlife
Yucca elata has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
Is Yucca elata poisonous?
Yucca elata has no toxic effects reported.
No reported toxicity to Birds
No reported toxicity to Cats
No reported toxicity to Dogs
No reported toxicity to Horses
No reported toxicity to Livestock
No reported toxicity to People
Plants that go well with Yucca elata
