perennial

Spanish Dagger

Yucca faxoniana

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

180 inches

Width

72 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived, decades

Native To

Chihuahuan Desert (Texas, Mexico)

Toxicity

Contains saponins; toxic to dogs, cats, and horses if ingested.

The Story

Plant Bio

Yucca faxoniana is a large, tree-like, evergreen yucca, typically featuring a single, stout trunk, occasionally branching with age. It forms a dense, symmetrical rosette of stiff, sword-like, blue-green to yellow-green leaves and produces a tall spike of bell-shaped, creamy-white flowers. One of the largest and most cold-hardy tree yuccas, prized for its dramatic architectural form. Its impressive stature, up to 20 feet tall, makes it a stunning focal point in xeriscapes and desert-themed gardens. It is extremely drought and heat tolerant.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Provides striking architectural form year-round, especially in xeriscapes.

Requires minimal watering once established, reducing garden maintenance.

Supports native desert ecosystems; drought-tolerant and low input.

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds or pups into well-draining soil
Water sparingly until established, about 6 weeks
Place in full sun for optimal growth
Mulch lightly to conserve moisture
Avoid overwatering in winter
Prune dead leaves annually

Pro Tip

Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
Prune dead leaves in early spring
Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring

Don't

Don’t overwater in winter ❌
Avoid fertilizing in late fall
Don’t plant in heavy clay soils

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Architectural focal pointDesert-themed borderLow-maintenance xeriscape

Companion Plants

Agave Sedum Yucca filamentosa Desert spoon Opuntia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Spanish Dagger questions

What zones can Spanish Dagger grow in?

Spanish Dagger is hardy in USDA Zones 6–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Spanish Dagger deer resistant?

Yes — Spanish Dagger is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Spanish Dagger bloom?

Spanish Dagger typically blooms in late spring through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Spanish Dagger need full sun?

Spanish Dagger does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Spanish Dagger drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Spanish Dagger handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.