0 named cultivars

perennial

Soaptree Yucca

Yucca elata

Same species

0 named cultivars

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

120 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Decades

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

The Story

Plant Bio

Yucca elata is a tree-like yucca that develops a trunk with age, topped by a rosette of long, narrow, sharp-tipped leaves. A tall stalk of bell-shaped, creamy-white flowers emerges in late spring. As the state flower of New Mexico, it is exceptionally drought tolerant and provides a strong vertical accent in desert and rock gardens. It is dependent on the yucca moth for pollination.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Provides striking architectural form year-round, suitable for xeriscaping and modern landscapes.

Drought-tolerant with minimal watering needs, ideal for water-wise gardening.

Supports native pollinators with its late summer blooms.

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds or pups into well-draining soil in full sun.
Water sparingly until established, about 2-3 weeks.
Mist cuttings if propagating from offsets for better rooting.
Fertilize lightly in early spring with a cactus or succulent fertilizer.
Mulch with gravel or sand to improve drainage and mimic native habitat.
Transplant in early spring or fall for best results.

Pro Tip

Ensure excellent drainage and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water sparingly during dry months 🌱
Apply cactus fertilizer in spring
Remove dead leaves to maintain appearance

Don't

Avoid overwatering ❌
Do not use heavy, water-retentive soils
Never fertilize during winter

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Sculptural focal point in xeriscapesVertical accent in rock gardensDrought-tolerant border plant

Companion Plants

Agave Sedum Lavender Yucca filamentosa Echinocactus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Soaptree Yucca questions

What zones can Soaptree Yucca grow in?

Soaptree 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 Soaptree Yucca deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Soaptree Yucca, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Soaptree Yucca bloom?

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

Does Soaptree Yucca need full sun?

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

Is Soaptree Yucca drought tolerant?

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