perennial

Schott's Yucca

Yucca schottii

The Story

Plant Bio

Yucca schottii, commonly known as Schott's Yucca, is a drought-tolerant, evergreen shrub characterized by its rosette of stiff, sword-shaped leaves and tall flower stalks bearing creamy white, bell-shaped flowers.

This species is distinguished by its ability to thrive in arid environments and its striking, architectural form that adds dramatic vertical interest to xeriscape gardens.

Uses & Benefits:

The Yucca schottii provides striking architectural form and evergreen structure year-round, ideal for xeriscape and desert-themed gardens.

Its drought tolerance reduces water needs, making it eco-friendly and low-maintenance.

Supports local pollinators and stabilizes soil in arid landscapes.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

120 inches

Width

48 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Decades

Native To

Southwestern USA and Mexico

Toxicity

Toxic to pets if ingested

Bloom period

Late summer – Late fall

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a well-draining sandy soil location.
Plant in full sun for optimal growth.
Water sparingly after planting, then drought-tolerant.
Mulch lightly to retain soil moisture and control weeds.
Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer once in spring.
Prune dead or damaged leaves as needed.

Pro Tip

Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot, especially in colder zones.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water sparingly once established 💧
Prune dead leaves in early spring ✂️
Apply mulch to conserve moisture 🌱

Don't

Overwater during winter ❌
Use heavy clay soil without amendments ❌
Neglect pruning or removal of dead foliage ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plant
Propagate
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Architectural borderDrought-resistant xeriscapeRock garden accent

Companion Plants

Agave Sedum Yucca filamentosaRed yucca Lavender

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Schott's Yucca questions

What zones can Schott's Yucca grow in?

Schott's Yucca 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 Schott's Yucca deer resistant?

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

When does Schott's Yucca bloom?

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

Does Schott's Yucca need full sun?

Schott's Yucca does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Schott's Yucca drought tolerant?

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