Yucca can add color and texture to the landscape during the gray months of winter. Many yucca plants, including variegated varieties, are on display in the University of Tennessee Gardens in Knoxville. >>>download photo

by Emily K. Smith


For years gardeners have cringed at the sight of Yucca filamentosa in the landscape, but this traditional plant is experiencing a revival in popularity. Once considered the stable "plant by your mailbox" kind of plant, Yucca species, especially Yucca filamentosa, are becoming the focal point mixed perennial borders.

Commonly referred to as Adam's Needle, Yucca filamentosa is a member of the Agavaceae family. The evergreen leaves are sword-like and measure about 1 to 1.5 feet long and 1.5 to 4 inches wide.

Sword-like is an apt description. The leaves are very sharp and pointed at the ends. They are also basal, meaning that they originate from one point at the base of the plant, often forming a rosette shape. The margins of the leaves are adorned with several tiny, white curly threads that peel back as the leaf grows. If you do not care for this "un-manicured" look, these threads can be removed.

Yucca provides interesting texture year round. During the winter months, assorted varieties are on display at the UT Gardens in Knoxville. They add color and texture when the weather is gray.

During late spring to early summer yucca becomes a true garden star, as 4-feet to 6-feet stalks of white flowers appear. Each stalk can holds several dozen sets of flowers, making the plant an impressive focal point in your garden.

Yucca filamentosa is most impressive when planted in mass. They also work well in rock gardens, mixed borders and natural areas. All yuccas require dry, sandy soil and full sun to part shade. They also boast a characteristic that most gardeners find very appealing. They are LOW MAINTENANCE plants. Basically, if you plant your Yucca filamentosa in the right location, the plant will thrive.

A number of variegated selections are available on the market. Color Guard and Gold Sword are just two examples in which the sword-shaped leaves have a gold variegation running down the middle. Ivory has a cream variegation to the leaves. For a true white variegated form, try Variegata.

I know many gardeners who have negative impressions of this plant, but if you put your prejudice aside and try one in your garden, you will be amazed with the amount of texture and drama that yucca will add to your landscape.

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Emily K. Smith is a graduate student in the University of Tennessee Department of Plant Sciences. She works under the guidance of Dr. Susan Hamilton, director of the UT Gardens. The UT Gardens are located on Neyland Drive in Knoxville. They are free and open to the public seven days a week during daylight hours.

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