Care of the shrub Yucca desmetiana or Spineless Jade Agave |
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The genus Yucca, family Asparagaceae, comprises 50 species of evergreen shrubs native to Mexico, the United States, and the Caribbean. Some species are: Yucca desmetiana, Yucca carnerosana, Yucca aloifolia, Yucca elephantipes, Yucca filifera, Yucca mixtecana, Yucca rostrata, Yucca schidigera, Yucca thompsoniana, Yucca gloriosa, Yucca whipplei, Yucca baccata. Common name: Spineless Jade Agave. This species is native to Nothern Mexico. They are prostrate shrubs that reach 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height. The bluish leaves (when young) turn burgundy. They produce terminal clusters of white flowers. They bloom from mid-summer to early fall. The fruits are capsules from which seeds are obtained. These slow-growing plants are used in pots for patios and terraces, on slopes, on rockeries and in dry areas of the garden. Yucca desmetiana prefers full sun or semi-shade exposure and warm climates. They resist occasional frosts down to -5 ºC (23 ºF). They grow in poor, sandy soils if they are well drained. Transplant in spring if necessary. They resist drought well. Water regularly in summer waiting for the soil to have completely dried. Fertilize once in spring with slow release mineral fertilizer. They do not need pruning. They are plants resistant to pests and diseases but sensitive to excess watering. They are propagated from seeds sown in a sandy seedbed at the end of winter and from the suckers that they produce at the base. |
Images of the shrub Yucca desmetiana or Spineless Jade Agave |
 Yucca desmetiana  Yucca desmetiana  Yucca desmetiana  Yucca desmetiana  Yucca desmetiana |