Yucca gloriosa is a flowering evergreen shrub that originated in the United States southeastern region. It naturally grows along sand dunes, but has become very popularly cultivated as a garden plant used for landscaping. Other names for spanish dagger are Roman candle, Lord’s candlestick, and Sea Islands yucca.
| Common name | Mound Lily Yucca, Spanish Dagger, Spanish Dagger Yucca |
| Botanical name | Yucca gloriosa |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Species | gloriosa |
| Origin | SE USA |
| Life cycle | Woody |
| Plant type | Edible |
| Hardiness zone | 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 |
| Sunlight | Full Sun |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil condition | Loam |
| Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Growth rate | Slow |
| Harvest time | Fall |
| Flowering period | Fall |
| Height | 6 ft. – 16 ft. |
| Width | 6 ft. – 16 ft. |
| Flower color | Cream, Tan |
| Leaf color | Green |
| Fruit color | Brown, Copper |
| Stem color | Brown, Copper |
| Fruit type | Berry |
| Leaf benefit | Long-lasting |
| Flower benefit | Fragrant |
| Garden style | Drought Tolerant Garden |
| Uses | Coastal |
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Yucca gloriosa is a species of flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental for its architectural qualities, and has reportedly become established in warmer climates in the wild in various parts of the world.
Yucca gloriosa is native to the coast and barrier islands of southeastern North America, growing on sand dunes. It ranges from extreme southeastern Virginia south to northern Florida in the United States. It is associated with Yucca filamentosa, Yucca aloifolia, and Opuntia species.
Yucca gloriosa was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. Genetic evidence has shown that the species originated via multiple hybridizations between Yucca aloifolia and Yucca filamentosa.
Yucca gloriosa is caulescent, usually with several stems arising from the base, the base thickening in adult specimens. The long narrow leaves are straight and very stiff, growing to 30–50 cm (12–20 in) long and 2–3.5 cm (3⁄4–1+1⁄2 in) wide. They are dark green with entire margins, smooth, rarely finely denticulate, acuminate, with a sharp brown terminal spine. The inflorescence is a panicle up to 2.5 m (8 ft) long, of bell-shaped white flowers, sometimes tinged purple or red. The fruit is a leathery, elongated berry up to 8 cm (3 in) long.
The plant is widely cultivated in warm temperate and subtropical climates, and valued as an architectural focal point. In landscape use, little maintenance is needed other than the removal of dead leaves when the shrub nears its ultimate height. The plant is very hardy, without leaf damage at −20 °C (−4 °F), and can handle brief snow and freezing temperatures, as well as long periods of drought.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
The spanish dagger likes a sunny and warm environment as it grows – the plant will find it difficult to bloom in an environment with insufficient sunlight. However, the spanish dagger does not like strong sunlight. It has a certain level of shade resistance, making mild, filtered sunlight your best option. Shade should always be provided in areas receiving direct sunlight.
Temperature
Native to eastern and southeastern North America, spanish dagger does best in hardiness zones 4-11. It likes the warmth, so try to keep its temperature around 19 to 25 ℃, although it is resistant to scorching heat. Spanish dagger is not cold hardy and will need winter protection, so its winter temperature should not be too low – try to keep it above 10 ℃. Although Spanish dagger enjoys plenty of water, it is also very sensitive to waterlogging.
Watering
Spanish dagger is well adapted to dry conditions and is very sensitive to standing water. During the fall and winter months, watering about once every two or three weeks is all it needs. Water it about once a week during its spring and summer growing season. You can also wait for the soil surface to dry out before watering. If you plant it outdoors in full sunlight, it may need a little more water, but make sure the soil drains smoothly so that excess water can flow out through the drainage holes.
If over-watered, the leaf tips will have brown tips with a yellow halo. Root rot is also prone to occur as a result, and the stem becomes soft. If under-watered, the leaves turn brown and wilt.
Soil
The spanish dagger is not fussy when it comes to soil. While the most suitable soil would be well-drained and sandy, the plant can adapt to even a barren, rocky and gravel-filled wasteland. The plant easily adapts when it comes to acidity and alkalinity too, and will grow in any soil, apart from saline-alkali. Keep in mind that the plant is not resistant to waterlogging, especially in a flowerpot.
For potting, a fertile, permeable, and well-drained garden soil should be used, with this mixed with coarse sand and perlite to facilitate drainage. This is the best way to encourage tender seedlings and abundant flowers. Generally, the soil should be loosened once every three or four months to ensure its permeability.
Fertilizing
The spanish dagger does not require a wide spectrum of nutrients during its growth period. However, a fertilizer can encourage better growth. It should be noted that a basal fertilizer should be applied when planting or transplanting.
A compound fertilizer should be applied once in the spring and fall, and no fertilizer should be applied in the winter. This will prevent vigorous growth in the winter, which is unfavorable for overwintering. You could also apply a compound fertilizer during the plant’s rapid growth period, so as to accelerate blooming.
Planting Instructions
The spanish dagger is easy to plant, with or without soil, and the best time to do so is in the spring or fall. Well-drained sandy soil should be selected, and you will need to prevent water from accumulating around the plant during a rainy spell.
For planting, sufficient basal fertilizer should be applied to the bottom of the flowerpot or pit (a compound fertilizer is usually selected as a basal fertilizer). After planting, if your spanish dagger has a rope binding its leaves, untie this, allowing the leaves to fully extend. Water thoroughly. A compound fertilizer should be applied once in the spring and fall – don’t use a fertilizer in the winter.
Pruning
Pruning the spanish dagger is simple. Remove any dead branches and diseased leaves during its growth period, and cut off any withered pedicels after blooming, so as to avoid nutrient loss. Lateral branches should also be pruned to maintain a balanced shape.
Propagation
The simplest propagation methods include cuttage and ramets, both offering a high survival rate.
In the case of ramets, when newly sprouted ramets in the lower part of the stock plant grow up to 30 cm, they should be divided. Make sure that you include proper roots during division, so as to ensure that the ramets can survive. The cover soil should not be too deep when transplanting – you only need to cover the top. Water immediately after burying. Alternatively, the entire plant can be excavated and then divided with a sharp knife into several ramets.
In the case of cuttage, the method of burying the stem for rooting can be adopted. Cut off the old perennial stem first and peel off the leaves. Cut the stem into 5 to 6 cm long segments, and insert them straight into the soil, keeping the tops slightly exposed. Place in a sunny location and keep the soil moist.
In high temperatures, cuttings will take roots after about two weeks, sprouting tender stems. They can be transplanted after growing out complete roots. The stem can also be directly inserted into water, with the water regularly replaced to keep it clean. After rooting, the seedling should be planted into a flowerpot in a timely manner.
Pests and Diseases
The Gloriosa Yucca does not experience any serious problems with disease or insect predation as long as it is not over watered.
As with most plants, excessive watering leads to problems with fungal infections and root rot.
Weakened plants attract pests, and weakened plants are more susceptible to spider mites.
III. Uses and Benefits
The two-colored dagger-like leaves of spanish dagger (Yucca gloriosa) are an attractive and common feature of ornamental gardens, and it’s summer flowers and fruit attract birds. Spanish dagger makes a great addition to the beds and borders of Mediterranean, coastal, city, and cottage gardens. Grow this yucca with plants that bloom at similar times like sage, yarrow, and tiger lilies.
The flowers of most plants are large, spectacular and fragrant, making them popular for flower arranging. Its leaves contain tough fibers that can be used to make ropes.
Find Where to Buy the Best Spanish Dagger (Yucca gloriosa)
[content-egg-block template=offers_logo_shipping cols_order=3,2,1,5,4 hide=badge visible=number border_color=info limit=8]