The yellow-flowering form of red yucca, with a fountain of long, gray-green leaves and slender stalks of soft yellow, tubular flowers. It blooms for months, takes full and reflected sun, and needs very little water once established. Its leaves have no sharp tips, which makes it easy to place almost anywhere.
Living with it in the Phoenix Valley
Watering
Follow the shrub, groundcover and succulent schedule in our Landscape Care guide. Once established it needs little help, though some summer water keeps the flower stalks coming. Good drainage matters more than extra water.
Pruning
Cut spent flower stalks at the base once they finish. Remove old, dried outer leaves as needed. Avoid shearing the leaves, which ruins the fountain shape.
Heat and cold
It takes full afternoon sun and reflected heat from walls and paving, and it shrugs off any Phoenix freeze.
How our designers use it
Mass plantings
Planted in drifts, its arching leaves and tall stalks give rhythm and long-season color along a drive or wall.
Near hardscape
With soft leaf tips and light litter, it suits beds beside walkways, patios and pool decks.
Hummingbird color
Its flowers draw hummingbirds through the hot months, when few other plants are in bloom.
Good to know
Around the pool
No spines and little litter make it a clean choice near the water. The flowers do attract hummingbirds and some bees, so set it a few feet back from where people sit.
Javelina
In areas with javelina, such as parts of Fountain Hills and north Scottsdale, they will eat hesperaloe down to the roots. Fencing or a protected location helps.
