Pale-Leaf Yucca, Pale Yucca

I originally collected seed from a University trial garden in 2006. Collected seed were planted that same year (in fall in greenhouse set...Read Moreting). Because I was unsure whether or not the seedlings would survive their first winter outdoors, I kept them in my basement under fluorescent lights suspended approximately 10" above plants. The following spring, plants were grown in No.1 (1 gal) containers for one growing season. Winter 2007 pots were overwintered in unheated garage. The following spring, 2008, plants had reached a decent size and finally planted in ground along a driveway with a southern exposure. Winter 2008 shredded leaves were used as a light mulch (for extra protection). Following growing season (2009) yuccas attained more size. No mulch was used winter 2009. Winter 2009 incidentally was one of the coldest in a while in my location. Most recently, in 2010, plants flowered and began to produce 'pups'. During extreme cold, leaves appear to contract/curl (probably a survival mechanism to reduce exposed leaf surface area, and thus, reduce evapotranspiration).

Growing Conditions
My Yucca pallida are growing in a rocky, red, clay soil, that is fairly well-drained. The bed is mulched with composted hardwood bark mulch. If I get around to it, they might receive fertilizer once per growing season. Irrigation is in the form of whatever falls out the sky. No special attention is required or has been afforded them since planting.

Comments
I do think this is a good case showing that some xeric plants are capable of growing in wetter (and colder) climates: in 2008 and 2009 record rainfall occurred in one year and record cold in another. However, small sample size and only a handful of years does not prove a trend or a rule.

Others in the gardening community should try their hand at growing this plant. Do exercise caution wherever you plant it; do not plant near where foot traffic tends to move about. A passerby may suddenly experience the tip of the leaf piercing his or her skin (as I have done several times now).

Enjoy!

Pale-leaf Yucca, Pale Yucca Yucca pallida, is Endemic to Texas.