Big Bend Yucca Information

Big Bend yucca (Yucca rostrata), also known as beaked yucca, is a tree-like type of yucca with blue-green, lance-shaped leaves and tall, bell-shaped blooms that rise above the plant in summer.

Big Bend yucca plants are easy to grow in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 10.

Big Bend yucca is native to the rocky hillsides and canyon walls of Texas, Northern Mexico and Arizona. Historically, Native Americans put Big Bend yucca plants to good use as a source of fiber and food. Today, the plant is appreciated for its extreme drought tolerance and bold beauty.

Although Big Bend yucca is slow growing, it can eventually reach heights of 11 to 15 feet (3-5 m.). And while the spiny leaf tips aren’t as pronounced as most types of yucca, it’s still a good idea to grow the plant safely away from sidewalks and play areas.

How to Care for Yucca Plants?

Yucca plants—both the indoor and outdoor varieties—are low-maintenance plants. Once established in the garden landscape, you can almost leave them alone so they can care for themselves.

Here are some tips on how to care for yucca plants:

The best soil for yucca: Grow yucca plants in sandy soil with excellent drainage. If necessary, you can work in perlite or small pebbles to allow water to flow better.

Light requirements for yucca plants: Yuccas and agaves can be grown in full sun and are even tolerant of shading up to about 50 percent. If you live in a very hot climate a little bit of afternoon shading can be beneficial, but not required.

How to water yucca plants:

Yuccas and agaves are noted for low water requirements However, it is necessary to give your plant a good start by water after planting to give your new addition to your garden time to establish a root system. If you live in an area of low rainfall or an experiencing a severe drought it can take up to 3 years to establish a mature root system.

If you fertilize, keep the dose rate low and give extra water.

How to prune yucca plants: Prune dead, brown leaves if you desire. Before pruning outdoor yuccas, put on protective gloves and goggles to protect yourself from the sharp blades and spikes.

Planting Guide for Yucca Plants

How to Grow Big Bend Yucca

Big Bend yucca plants are adaptable to light shade but perform best in full sunlight. They also withstand extremely hot weather, although it’s normal for the tips to die back during the peak of summer in southern climates. Most importantly, Big Bend yucca plants must be located in well-drained soil to prevent rot during the winter months. If your soil is clay or doesn’t drain well, mix in small pebbles or sand to improve drainage.

Beaked Yucca Info and Care

Beaked yucca’s (Yucca rostrata), “rostrata” meaning beaked. It is a large, architecturally interesting yucca plant native to Mexico and West Texas. According to beaked yucca plant information, the plant’s trunk (or stem) can grow to 12 feet (3.5 m.). It is topped by a 12-inch (30.5 cm.) large flower cluster that grows on top. The creamy white blossoms appear on a tall spike in springtime. Beaked yucca leaves look like lances, gathered together in rosettes of 100 or more in a pom-pom-like formation. Each leaf grows up to 24 inches (61 cm.) long but less than an inch (2.5 cm.) wide, blue-green with a toothed yellow margin. Young beaked yuccas generally don’t have any branches. As the plants get older, they develop several branches.

How to Grow a Beaked Blue Yucca

If you want to grow a beaked blue yucca, you’ll need to know the hardiness range of the plant. Beaked yucca thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 11. Those gardeners growing beaked blue yucca should choose a site with full sun or at least ample sun. The beaked yucca prefers moist, well-draining alkaline soil.

Agave Plant Information and Care

Agaves first originated in dry areas of Mexico and are now becoming popular all over America. They will adapt to dry, sandy soils and thrive in drought, extreme heat, and humidity with ease.

And no matter your soil - from sandy to rocky - the Agave Ovatifolia 'Frosty Blue' Agave will adapt and bring unique beauty to your landscape. Use it as a dramatic focal point, a ground cover or in rock gardens.

If you live in a cold area, simply plant your Agave in a pot and bring it indoors once the weather gets cold. Its energetic leaves and vibrant color will keep you company all winter long. And since it's a succulent, it stores water in its leaves to use when it needs a drink and won't need pruning, meaning it essentially takes care of itself.

Buy directly from the grower

Many Yucca trees and Agave plants are nearly impossible to find at big-box retailers and local garden centers. Buying directly from us, ensures a healthier, better-developed Yucca and Agave plant.

We plant, grow and ship your Yucca and Agave with meticulous care, so you get a hassle-free shrub that’s ready to thrive in your landscape and burst with growth quickly.