Not a true yucca, red yucca is a clumping succulent with soft, grass-like leaves and tall wands of coral-red flowers that hummingbirds love. It has no spines or sharp tips, takes full Phoenix sun, and needs very little water once established.
Living with it in the Phoenix Valley
Watering
Water through the first year on the shrub, groundcover and succulent schedule in our Landscape Care guide, without overdoing it. After that it gets by on very little. Lean watering keeps clumps compact and still gives good bloom, while too much water in heavy soil invites root rot.
Pruning
Cut spent flower stalks at the base once they dry, and pull out old leaves that have died back. That is all it needs. Never shear or string-trim the leaves, which ruins its natural fountain shape.
Pests
Aphids sometimes cluster on new flower stalks in early spring, often tended by ants. A strong spray of water usually knocks them back.
How our designers use it
Color without spines
It gives months of bloom and a strong, grassy shape near entries, patios and walks, where agaves or cactus would be a hazard.
Massed plantings
Planted in drifts, the flower stalks read as a soft red haze above the foliage, and the hummingbirds follow.
Under a desert canopy
It pairs naturally with palo verdes, barrels and desert spoon in a low-water planting.
Good to know
Around the pool
With soft leaves and no spines, it is one of the friendlier succulents to plant near the water and seating. Spent flowers and stalks are the only litter. Give it 2–3′ of room from walkways so it isn’t brushed or cut back.
