Care of the shrub Hesperoyucca whipplei or Chaparral yucca |
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The 2 species of the genus Hesperoyucca (Hesperoyucca whipplei and Hesperoyucca newberryi) were previously included in the genus Yucca; They are native plants of northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. Common names: Chaparral yucca, Spanish bayonet, Quixote yucca, Foothill yucca. This species is native to Baja California (Mexico) and California (USA). They are acaule plants (without a trunk) with long leaves 1 meter (3.28 feet) in length and bluish-green color that have a serrated margin. The flowers, white or cream, appear in spectacular spikes that reach 3 meters (9.84 feet) in height. They bloom in spring. Chaparral yucca is used in rockery, on slopes, in dry areas of the garden and in pots. It resists dry and strong winds. Hesperoyucca whipplei can grow in full sun or light shade exposures. It resists frost down to -12 ºC. Spanish bayonet can be grown in all types of soils: sandy, rocky or clay. Transplantation or planting is done in early spring. Water moderately, waiting for the substrate to dry. Slightly increase watering in summer. Fertilizers are not necessary. Chaparral yucca does not need pruning because it tends to die after flowering; it produces suckers at the base. Hesperoyucca whipplei is a resistant plant to the usual pests and diseases. Foothill yucca propagates from seeds obtained from capsule-shaped fruits or from suckers produced at the base. |
Images of the shrub Hesperoyucca whipplei or Chaparral yucca |
 Hesperoyucca whipplei  Hesperoyucca whipplei |