A Chihuahuan Desert yucca with stiff, powder-blue leaves held in dense rosettes atop a trunk that branches with age. It reads as living sculpture year-round and takes Phoenix heat, drought and cold in stride.
Living with it in the Phoenix Valley
Watering
Follow the shrub, groundcover and succulent schedule in our Landscape Care guide while it establishes. Mature plants rarely need extra water. Rocky, fast-draining soil is a must, since damp soil invites root rot.
Pruning
None required. Trim dead leaves flush to the trunk for a clean look, or leave them on for a natural skirt.
Pests
Root rot in wet soil and grubs feeding on the roots are the main problems. Good drainage prevents most of both.
How our designers use it
Vertical accent
Its upright, branching form adds height to a low planting without the shade or litter of a tree.
Modern architecture
The clean silhouette and blue color work especially well against smooth stucco and contemporary lines.
Blue foliage contrast
Our designers pair it with yellow and orange bloomers and golden cactus to make the blue leaves stand out.
Good to know
Around the pool
The leaves are stiff and sharp-tipped. Keep it away from walkways, seating and the pool edge.
Pets
Yucca is on the ASPCA’s list of plants toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Discourage pets from chewing on it.
