Yucca whipplei (Our Lord’s Candle)

Yucca whipplei (Our Lord’s Candle) is an evergreen shrub forming a dense, trunkless rosette of narrow, linear, gray-blue leaves, up to 3 ft. long (90 cm). The leaves display sharply toothed edges and needlelike tips. In summer, mature plants (over 5 years) are topped with a striking flowering stalk, up to 6-14 ft. long (180-420 cm), that rises well above the foliage, and bears hundreds of scented, drooping, creamy-white flowers, often tinged with purple. They are held in a massive cluster, about 3 ft. long (90 cm), and are followed by dry winged capsules, which split open at maturity to release their seeds. The rosette dies after flowering, but is usually replaced by one or more offsets. This species is highly tolerant of drought, heat and frost. It withstands temperatures as low as 10°F (-12°C). Yucca whipplei is incredibly spectacular when in bloom and makes an outstanding accent plant. The scented flowers and low maintenance make it a great choice for dry and water-wise landscapes.

• Leaves form a foliage clump to 3 ft. tall (90 cm) and 6 ft. wide (180 cm).
• Easily grown in dry, well-drained soils in full sun. Occasional to infrequent summer irrigation needed, but will grow faster if well watered.
• Deer and rabbit resistant, this plant attracts hummingbirds
• Provide a striking focal point in beds and borders, gravel gardens, xeriscape gardens, Mediterranean gardens.
• Propagate by seed or remove rooted suckers.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Native from California to Mexico.