perennial

Buckley's Yucca

Yucca constricta

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

36 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Decades

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Toxic to pets

The Story

Plant Bio

Yucca constricta, commonly known as Buckley's Yucca, is a compact, evergreen shrub with stiff, narrow, flexible leaves forming dense rosettes and producing tall flower stalks with creamy white flowers. This species is particularly valued for its drought tolerance and architectural form, with its numerous twisted, thread-bearing leaves making it a striking and resilient choice for xeriscaping.

Uses & Benefits:

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

Requires minimal watering once established, ideal for drought-prone areas.

Supports pollinators with late summer blooms and provides habitat for small birds.

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds or pups into well-draining soil in spring
Water sparingly until established, about 6 weeks
Place in full sun for optimal growth
Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
Fertilize lightly in early spring with cactus mix
Mulch around base to conserve moisture

Pro Tip

Ensure excellent drainage and full sun for best results.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply during dry periods 🌱
Prune dead leaves in early spring
Apply cactus fertilizer in spring

Don't

Overwater to prevent rot ❌
Plant in poorly drained soil ❌
Expose to heavy frost ❌

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

Sculptural focal pointDrought-tolerant borderVertical accent in xeriscape

Companion Plants

Agave Echinocactus Lavender Sedum Yucca filamentosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Buckley's Yucca questions

What zones can Buckley's Yucca grow in?

Buckley's Yucca is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Buckley's Yucca deer resistant?

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

When does Buckley's Yucca bloom?

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

Does Buckley's Yucca need full sun?

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

Is Buckley's Yucca drought tolerant?

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