Care of the shrub Yucca carnerosana or Giant Spanish Dagger |
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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 carnerosana, Yucca aloifolia, Yucca desmetiana, Yucca elephantipes, Yucca filifera, Yucca mixtecana, Yucca rostrata, Yucca schidigera, Yucca thompsoniana, Yucca gloriosa, Yucca baccata, Yucca whipplei. Common names: Giant Spanish Dagger, Carneros Yucca, Giant Yucca, Giant Dagger. This species is native to Nothern Mexico and Texas. They are slow-growing shrubs that can branch out and reach 6 meters (19.68 feet) in height. They have long leaves up to 1 meter (3.28 feet) in length, bluish-green in color, with bristles on the margin and ending in a thorn. They produce large inflorescences filled with cream or white bell-shaped flowers. They usually bloom during the first half of spring. They are used as isolated specimens, in small groups, in rockery, on dry slopes and in pots for terraces and patios. The Yucca carnerosana prefers full sun exposure but also grows in semi-shade. They resist occasional frosts. They prefer poor, rocky or sandy soils, and with little capacity to retain water. The pot transplant is done in early spring. Water moderately, waiting until the soil has completely dried. In winter, reduce watering to once a month at most. Fertilize lightly with compost in late winter. They do not need pruning. They are plants resistant to pests and diseases that can be attacked by mealybugs in their youth. They are propagated from the suckers that the mother plant produces at the base. |
Images of the shrub Yucca carnerosana or Giant Spanish Dagger |
 Yucca carnerosana  Yucca carnerosana |