perennialN. America Native

Gurney's Yucca

Yucca glauca 'gurneyi'

Same species

Species

Yucca glaucaSoapweed Yucca

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

36 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low water needs

Humidity

Low

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Yucca glauca 'Gurneyi' is a hardy, evergreen shrub with rosettes of sword-shaped, bluish-green leaves and tall flower stalks bearing clusters of bell-shaped, creamy-white flowers. This cultivar is distinguished by its compact growth habit and enhanced drought tolerance, making it suitable for low-maintenance, xeriscape gardens.

Bloom Period:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides striking architectural form and evergreen presence year-round.
Practical UsesDrought-tolerant and low-maintenance, ideal for xeriscaping.
Ecological BenefitsSupports minimal water use, reducing environmental impact.

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in spring.
  2. Water sparingly until established, about 6 weeks.
  3. Place in full sun for best growth.
  4. Use cactus or sandy soil for planting.
  5. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
  6. Mulch lightly to retain moisture.

Pro Tip

Ensure excellent drainage to prevent overwatering issues.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water deeply during dry periods 🌱
  • Apply a cactus-specific fertilizer annually
  • Remove dead leaves to maintain appearance

Don't

  • Overwater or allow soil to stay soggy ❌
  • Use heavy, clay soil without amendments ❌
  • Plant in shady spots ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Sculptural accent in xeriscapesDrought-tolerant borderVertical focal point

Companion Plants

Agave Sedum Yucca filamentosa Lavender Echinacea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Gurney's Yucca questions

What zones can Gurney's Yucca grow in?

Gurney's Yucca is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Gurney's Yucca deer resistant?

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

When does Gurney's Yucca bloom?

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

Does Gurney's Yucca need full sun?

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

Is Gurney's Yucca drought tolerant?

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

Keep exploring

Grow Gurney'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.