Yellow Yucca

Plant Type: succulent
Plant Height: 2–4 feet (foliage); 5–6 feet with bloom stalk
Spread: 3–4 feet
Flower Color: yellow
Sun Exposure: Full sun, Partial Shade

Yellow Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora 'Yellow'): Low-Water Bloomer for Arizona Landscapes

Yellow Yucca is a rare yellow-flowering variety of Hesperaloe parviflora, a tough, clumping perennial prized for its long bloom season and ability to thrive in extreme heat. Its arching, grass-like foliage and tall bloom stalks make it a beautiful yet rugged choice for desert gardens, medians, and water-wise designs.

Key Features of Yellow Yucca

• Long-Lasting Yellow Blooms: From late spring through fall, this cultivar sends up tall, slender stalks lined with clusters of bright yellow tubular flowers—perfect for pollinators.
• Drought-Tolerant and Hardy: Performs reliably in Arizona's toughest conditions, including high heat and poor soils.
• Compact, Clumping Form: Foliage grows in neat mounds with minimal maintenance—no thorns, no trimming required.
• Wildlife-Friendly: Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies throughout the summer with its nectar-rich flowers.

Growing and Care Tips

Yellow Yucca is perfect for high-visibility, low-effort areas where bold seasonal color and strong form are desired.

Soil: Prefers well-draining soil. Sandy, rocky, or decomposed granite soils work best.
Water: Water deeply until established; then water sparingly, even in summer.
Fertilizer: Not needed under normal conditions. Apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer once in spring if desired.
Pruning: Remove spent bloom stalks at the base to keep the plant tidy. No leaf pruning is required.

Landscaping Uses

• Accent Plant: Adds height and structure to garden beds, especially when in bloom.
• Mass Planting: Excellent for slopes, parkways, and rock gardens when grouped in multiples.
• Containers: Can be planted in large pots for patios, entries, or poolside designs.
• Pollinator Gardens: A favorite among hummingbirds and desert-native pollinators.

Summary

Yellow Yucca is a rare yet resilient choice for Phoenix-area landscapes, combining drought tolerance with bright, long-lasting blooms. Its clean shape, minimal care needs, and summer flower display make it a standout performer in both modern and natural desert settings.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Yellow Yucca

Planting Guide:

Location: Full sun preferred for strongest flowering, though it will tolerate partial shade with at least 4 hours of direct light.
Soil: Well-draining soils only. Avoid clay or soggy conditions.
Spacing: Space plants 3–4 feet apart to allow room for clumping and flowering.
Planting Depth: Plant root ball level with the soil surface. Do not bury the crown.
Support: No staking required. Flower stalks remain upright on their own.

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Deeply water the entire planting zone at time of install.
• Frequency: Water every 3–4 days for the first 2–3 weeks.
• Watering Amount: Use 1 inch of water per session to saturate roots.

When is the Plant Established?

• Typically fully rooted and established within 2–3 months of regular watering.

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 10–14 days during extended drought or extreme heat.
• Winter: Water every 4–6 weeks, especially if no rainfall occurs.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

Placement of Emitters: Place emitters 12–18 inches from the plant base to cover root zone.
Flow Rate: 1-gallon-per-hour emitters recommended.
Number of Emitters: Use 1 emitter per plant; increase to 2 as plants mature or bloom heavily.
Adjusting Frequency: In peak summer, water every 10 days. In winter, reduce frequency to monthly or less.

General Watering Tips for Yellow Yucca:

• Soil Check: Let the top 2–3 inches of soil dry between watering.
• Avoid Overwatering: These plants are sensitive to root rot in wet soil. Always ensure drainage.
• Mulch: Use a light layer of gravel or DG mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture, but keep it off the crown.