Yucca Rigida

Yucca rigida is one of our top recommendations for an elegant and architectural desert plant.

Also commonly known as Blue yucca, it takes on an agave-like form when young. As it matures, it will slowly grow to a 12-foot-tall yucca tree. The slow growth and small size make this yucca a suitable plant for many garden settings with minimal maintenance.

Finally, Yucca rigida is exceptionally hardy and tough, taking on droughts, cold temperatures down to five degrees Fahrenheit, and hot temperatures over 100 degrees.

Botanical name: Yucca rigida

Other names: Blue yucca, Izote Azul, Mexican blue yucca, Rigid Yucca

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Yucca rigida is a yucca that looks like a spiky agave when young and a small-sized tree when mature.

It grows very slowly, reaching 12-14 feet in favorable conditions.

Grows vertically with minimal branching until mature. The trunk is gray and covered with remnants of old leaves that have fallen off.

A cluster of long leaves appears at the top of the trunk, similar to a palm tree. Although Yucca rigida has blue-green leaves in temperate areas or slightly shaded areas (hence the nickname Blue yucca), these leaves will turn silvery green with more intense sunlight.

Long and thin beautiful leaves similar to some agaves. They are 2-3 feet long and 1-3 inches wide, tapering at the end to form very sharp tips. These sharp tips, combined with the rigidity of the leaves, can easily penetrate the skin.

When in bloom, numerous showy white flowers on tall flower stalks.

Pests: Yucca rigida 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

Propagate via stem cuttings or seeds.

How much doES yucca Rigida cost?

At our nursery, Yucca rigida is sold by foot at $250.

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

How fast does Yucca Rigida grow?

Yucca rigida grows very 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.

Does YUCCA Rigida have spines?

Yes, the leaves from Yucca rigida have sharp tips. Yucca rostrata is a similar-looking yucca with less sharp leaves.