perennial

Peninsular Yucca

Yucca peninsularis

The Story

Plant Bio

An evergreen, tree-like yucca, typically single-trunked but can branch with age. Forms a dense, rounded crown of stiff, sword-like leaves and produces a tall panicle of bell-shaped, creamy-white flowers.

Native to Baja California Sur, this species is noted for its impressive height, reaching up to 18 feet. Its pale gray-green to yellow-green leaves are narrow, 2-3 feet long, and have fine fibrous threads along the margins. It is exceptionally heat and drought tolerant.

Uses & Benefits:

Striking architectural form adds visual interest year-round.

Requires minimal watering and maintenance.

Provides habitat for certain insects and birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

168 inches

Width

60 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Decades

Native To

Mexico (Baja California)

Toxicity

Toxic to pets if ingested

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck root ball into prepared soil with good drainage.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil.
Mist cuttings if propagating via division.
Fertilize lightly in early spring with a cactus fertilizer.
Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Monitor for pests like scale and treat with organic insecticide.

Pro Tip

Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water sparingly once established 💧
Prune dead or damaged leaves in early spring ✂️
Apply cactus fertilizer in spring and summer 🌱
Mulch to conserve moisture and control weeds 🌿

Don't

Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
Use heavy clay soil without amendments ❌
Neglect pruning or pest control ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Plant
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 drought-tolerant garden

Companion Plants

Agave Sedum Yucca filamentosaRed Yucca Aloe Vera

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Peninsular Yucca questions

What zones can Peninsular Yucca grow in?

Peninsular Yucca is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Peninsular Yucca deer resistant?

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

When does Peninsular Yucca bloom?

Peninsular Yucca typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Peninsular Yucca need full sun?

Peninsular Yucca does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Peninsular Yucca drought tolerant?

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