Plant Finder

Other Names:  Datilillo

Description:

A very showy succulent with spear-like leaves radiating from the center and beautiful tall spikes of nodding white flowers in summer; eventually forms a tall trunk; good for dry sites, best used in a southwestern landscape theme

Ornamental Features

Giant Tree Yucca features bold spikes of white bell-shaped flowers rising above the foliage from late spring to early summer. It has attractive bluish-green evergreen foliage. The sword-like leaves are highly ornamental and remain bluish-green throughout the winter.

Landscape Attributes

Giant Tree Yucca is a multi-stemmed evergreen plant with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other landscape plants with finer foliage.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Spiny

Giant Tree Yucca is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• General Garden Use
• Container Planting

Planting & Growing

Giant Tree Yucca will grow to be about 15 feet tall at maturity extending to 20 feet tall with the flowers, with a spread of 10 feet. It has a low canopy, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years.

This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is native to parts of North America.

Giant Tree Yucca is a fine choice for the yard, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. Its large size and upright habit of growth lend it for use as a solitary accent, or in a composition surrounded by smaller plants around the base and those that spill over the edges. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when grown in a container, it may not perform exactly as indicated on the tag - this is to be expected. Also note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.