This shrub to small tree has single or mutable upright branched stems that form an irregular rounded crown. It has dark green stiff lance-shaped leaves and the purple tinge white bell-shaped flowers appear in a cluster above the foliage during summer.

Hardiness zones 8 to 10

Yucca aloifolia is naturally found in southern North America growing in well drained, fertile moist light soils in an open sunny position and is frost tender but drought tolerant.

Spanish bayonet is grown for its flowers and foliage. It is planted in drier gardens for a tropical effect or used as a specimen around buildings in commercial landscapes. It establishes in 3 to 5 years and is long lived. When young it is grown in tubs or large planter boxes and in cold climates it is grown as a glasshouse specimen. In public areas it is used as a barrier plant and is a safe haven for small birds. ID 710

Note:
This plant requires little pruning, but older plants may be cut back hard to ground level, where new suckering growth appears.

Yucca(YOO-ka) aloifolia(ă-lô-i-FO-lee-a)

Agavaceae (ah-gav-AY-see-ee)