How to Care for Yucca Gloriosa

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Things You'll Need

  • Garden hose

  • All-purpose or evergreen fertilizer

  • Pruning shears

Yucca gloriosa, also known as Spanish dagger, palm lily and mound-lily yucca, is a slow-growing evergreen shrub with erect, sword-shaped leaves. In the summer, Yucca gloriosa produces spikes of fragrant, bell-shaped white blossoms. Native to the southeastern coast of North America, Yucca gloriosa grows best in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 11. Prized for its low moisture requirements, Yucca gloriosa thrives with very little care in warm, dry climates.

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Step 1

Plant or position your Yucca gloriosa in a full sun location that provides your shrub with at least six hours of bright, direct sunlight per day. Note that if you plant or position a Yucca gloriosa in a location that receives too little sun, it will not have access to the sunlight it needs to produce its characteristic white blossoms.

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Step 2

Water drought-tolerant Yucca gloriosa sparingly to avoid overwatering. Provide the shrub with just 1/2 inch of supplemental irrigation each week when rainfall fails to provide a comparable amount of moisture.

Step 3

Fertilize your Yucca gloriosa in the early spring before the shrub presents new growth. Use a balanced, water soluble all-purpose fertilizer or one that has been specially formulated for use with evergreen plants. Apply a single fertilizer application according to the package instructions.

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Step 4

Remove any discolored, diseased or dead foliage from your Yucca gloriosa on an as-needed basis throughout the growing season to maintain the shrub's health and appearance. Cut unwanted foliage from the shrub with sharpened and sterilized pruning shears. Avoid leaving the removed foliage at the base of your shrub as this may invite or increase unwanted insect activity.

Tip

The sap from Yucca gloriosa shrubs may cause skin irritation in some individuals. For best results, wear gardening gloves when handling your shrub.

Warning

Yucca gloriosa is often plagued by problems with pests such as yucca moth larvae and scale insects. Treat affected shrubs with a horticultural oil or insecticide product; consult your county extension office for advice.

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