1 named cultivar

‘gurneyi’Gurney's Yucca

perennialN. America Native

Soapweed Yucca

The Story

Plant Bio

Yucca glauca is a hardy perennial shrub characterized by its sword-shaped, bluish-green leaves arranged in dense rosettes and tall spikes of bell-shaped, white flowers that emerge in summer.

Soapweed yucca is native to the Great Plains from Texas north into Canada, and it is one of the most cold-hardy yuccas, with narrow, blue-green leaves edged in white. Its roots are rich in saponins and were used to make soap, which gave the plant its name, and like all yuccas its flowers are pollinated only by yucca moths.

Uses & Benefits:

The Yucca glauca intermedia offers striking architectural form, especially in drought-prone gardens, adding visual interest year-round.

Its drought tolerance reduces water needs, making it eco-friendly and cost-effective.

Provides habitat for native pollinators and beneficial insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

36"

Width

30"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Decades

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Planting

How to Grow

Select well-draining sandy soil for planting
Tuck seeds or small plants into the soil in spring
Mist cuttings lightly until roots develop, about 6 weeks
Place in full sun for optimal growth
Water sparingly after establishment
Mulch around base to retain moisture

Pro Tip

Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot; avoid overwatering.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water sparingly during drought periods 🌱
Prune dead or damaged leaves in late winter
Apply a cactus or succulent fertilizer in spring

Don't

Don’t overwater; Yuccas hate soggy soil ❌
Avoid fertilizer high in nitrogen which can promote weak growth
Don’t disturb roots unnecessarily

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Sculptural focal pointDesert-themed borderVertical accent in xeriscapes

Companion Plants

Agave Sedum Echinocereus Dasylirion Opuntia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Soapweed Yucca questions

What zones can Soapweed Yucca grow in?

Soapweed Yucca is hardy in USDA Zones 4–10: in that range it survives winter in the ground.

Is Soapweed Yucca deer resistant?

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

When does Soapweed Yucca bloom?

Soapweed Yucca typically blooms from late spring to late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Soapweed Yucca need full sun?

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

Is Soapweed Yucca drought tolerant?

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