Yucca Rostrata

If you’re looking to add sophistication to your drought tolerant landscape, Yucca rostrata comes highly recommended by many landscape designers and gardeners, including us.

Although this plant is not widely known among the general public, it is often seen in upscale desert landscapes.

Its beauty, elegance, and extreme low maintenance and drought-tolerance are some of the reasons we love this plant. Add that to the very slow-growing nature of yuccas, and you get one very rewarding plant to have in your garden for many years to come.

Botanical name: Yucca rostrata

Other names: Beaked yucca, Big bend yucca

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The most noticeable part of Yucca rostrata is its leaves at the top of the stems. They are dense, 2 foot long, and thin, growing from the center of a cluster like a sunburst. The leaves are not fully rigid and stiff, although its tips are somewhat sharp. Light, pastel-toned green leaves with a hint of blue.

When in bloom, develops beautiful, long stalks with numerous white flowers.

Usually develops a single upright trunk like a tree, although it can develop branches from the sides. The trunk has a tough exterior, covered with old leaves that have fallen off.

Yucca rostratas typically grow to 10-15 feet tall and 5-10 feet wide.

Pests: Yucca rostrata has minimal pests which include mealybugs and scales.

To remove mealybugs, use insecticidal soap or apply rubbing alcohol directly to the area of infestation using a cotton swab.

To remove scales, pick them off or use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Horticultural oil will kill both crawlers and adults with direct contact. Insecticidal soap is better used to target only the crawlers. Whenever using any kind of pesticide, be aware that it can damage the plant if the temperatures are in the 80s or above.

Fungal diseases from root rot, dry rot, and harsh weather conditions.

Signs of overwatering: Drooping, squishy texture (especially an the bottom of the yucca)

Signs of too little water: Shriveling leaves and stems

Signs of too much sun: Burning, fading color

Signs of too little sun: Etiolation, discoloring

The easiest way to propagate Yucca rostrata is to remove the offshoots. You can also propagate via stem cuttings or seeds.

How much doES yucca rostrata cost?

At our nursery, Yucca rostrata is sold by the foot at $200.

Prices are subject to change. Please contact us for the most up-to-date information on pricing. We may have larger sizes available. We provide installation services locally at a separate cost.

How fast does Yucca rostrata grow?

Yucca rostrata grows extremely slowly. In the Palm Springs area, you can expect it to grow a couple of inches a year until it reaches maturity. In more temperate regions, it grows a bit quicker a year until maturity.

Is Yucca rostrata a cactus?

No, Yucca rostrata is not a cactus. However, both yuccas and cacti are succulents.

What is the difference between Yucca rostrata vs Yucca rigida?

Yucca rostrata and Yucca rigida have similar appearances, but the main difference is that the leaves of Yucca rigida are very stiff and rigid (hence the name) to the point that they could easily pierce something, whereas Yucca rostrata's leaves are flatter and more flexible.

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