Whipple's Yucca
Hesperoyucca whipplei
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
36 inches
Width
36 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
7, 8, 9
Water
Low
Humidity
Low
Lifespan
Monocarpic perennial
Native To
Southwestern North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Hesperoyucca whipplei, commonly known as Our Lord's Candle, is a striking evergreen perennial with rosettes of stiff, sword-shaped leaves and tall flowering spikes bearing cream-colored, bell-shaped flowers. This species is notable for its impressive, tall flower stalks that can reach up to 14 feet. It is monocarpic, meaning the rosette dies after flowering. It thrives in rocky, well-drained soils with minimal water.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-drained soil in spring.
- Water sparingly until established, about 2 weeks.
- Place in full sun for optimal growth.
- Ensure soil remains dry between watering sessions.
- Apply cactus/succulent fertilizer in spring annually.
- Mulch lightly to prevent weed growth.
Pro Tip
Use well-drained sandy soil and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply but infrequently 🌱
- Provide full sun exposure
- Use a cactus-specific fertilizer annually
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
Don't
- Overwater or let sit in water ❌
- Plant in heavy clay soil without amendments ❌
- Expose to excessive shade ❌
- Neglect pruning or removal of dead leaves ❌
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Whipple's Yucca questions
What zones can Whipple's Yucca grow in?
Whipple's Yucca is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Whipple's Yucca deer resistant?
Yes — Whipple's Yucca is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Whipple's Yucca bloom?
Whipple's Yucca typically blooms in late spring to 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 Whipple's Yucca need full sun?
Whipple's Yucca does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Whipple's Yucca drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Whipple's Yucca handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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Grow Whipple's Yucca with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
