When you think of yucca plants, you may think of an arid desert full of yucca, cacti, and other succulents. While it's true that yucca plants are native to dry, desert-like locations, they can also grow in many cooler climates. There are a few yucca varieties that are hardy down to zone 3. In this article, we will discuss growing yucca in zone 7, where many hardy yucca plants grow quite well.
Growing Yucca in Zone 7 Regions
Yucca plants are evergreen, even in cool climates. With heights up to 7 feet (2 m.) and sword-like foliage, they are oftentimes used as dramatic specimen plants in landscape or xeriscape beds. Even smaller varieties are excellent plants for hot, dry rock gardens. Yucca does not fit into every landscape though. I frequently see yucca plants that seem out of place in formal or cottage style gardens. Think carefully before planting a yucca plant, because once they are established, they can be very difficult to get rid of in the garden. Yucca grows best in full sun but can tolerate part shade. Plant zone 7 yuccas in sites with poor, sandy soil, where other plants have struggled. Once established, they produce beautiful displays of lantern shaped flowers on tall spikes. When the blooms fade, deadhead these flower spikes by cutting them right back to the plant crown. You can also try growing yucca in zone 7 within large urns or other unique planters for a less permanent but still dramatic or whimsical garden accent.
Hardy Yucca Plants
Below are some hardy yucca plants for zone 7 and available varieties.
- Adam's Needle Yucca (Yucca filamentosa) – varieties Bright Edge, Color Guard, Golden Sword, Ivory Tower
- Banana Yucca (Yucca baccata)
- Blue Yucca (Yucca rigida)
- Blue Beaked Yucca (Yucca rostrata) – variety Sapphire Skies
- Curved Leaf Yucca (Yucca recurvifolia) – varieties Margaritaville, Banana Split, Monca
- Dwarf Harriman Yucca (Yucca harrimaniae)
- Small Soapweed Yucca (Yucca glauca)
- Soaptree Yucca (Yucca elata)
- Spanish Dagger Yucca (Yucca gloriosa) – varieties Variegata, Bright Star