Yucca Plant
Regular price
$75.00
Size
Variety
Transform Your Landscape with Stunning Drought-Resistant Architecture
Yucca plants give you bold, sculptural structure without the constant watering, pruning, or upkeep required by many other plants. Known for sword shaped leaves, dramatic rosettes, and tall flower spikes, yuccas create instant focal points in rock gardens, xeriscapes, modern garden beds, and California landscapes built for dry climates.
These hardy perennials thrive in warm, dry environments requiring abundant sunlight, and most yucca plants need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. With the right well draining soil, yuccas conserve water effectively, resist many common landscape stresses, and bring year-round evergreen form to spaces where thirsty ornamental plants struggle.
Why You'll Love It
-
Drought Tolerance – Yucca plants are drought-tolerant and conserve water effectively, making them excellent low maintenance plants for xeriscaping and arid climates alongside other drought-tolerant California natives like California lilac.
-
Architectural Drama – Bold sword like leaves and geometric rosettes create dramatic focal points in minimalist landscape designs.
-
Low Maintenance – Yuccas need to dry out between waterings to thrive, so they ask for less attention than many shrubs, flowering perennials, and ornamental grasses.
-
Year-Round Interest – Evergreen yucca leaves provide structure through every season, whether you choose a compact yucca indoors or a large yucca plant outdoors.
-
Spectacular Blooms – Yuccas often showcase towering spikes of bell-shaped flowers, with creamy white flowers or white bell shaped flowers rising above the foliage.
Yuccas are also useful beyond appearance. Yucca plants provide habitat and food for wildlife, and yucca plants are pollinated by yucca moths. Yucca moths lay their eggs inside yucca flowers, and the yucca moth larvae feed on developing yucca seeds. The yucca moth and yucca plant pollination relationship is mutually beneficial for both species.
What Makes It Different
Most landscaping plants require constant watering, seasonal pruning, and frequent replacement when heat or drought intensifies. Yucca plants prefer the opposite approach: full sun, sandy soil or rocky soil, and time to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is a leading cause of root rot and yucca plant death, so planting yucca in a well draining soil mixture is essential.
Yucca Plant offers:
-
Native Adaptability – Many yucca species evolved in the southwestern United States, southern United States, the Mojave Desert, and other dry climates, making them naturally suited to California-style water-wise landscapes.
-
Sculptural Form – Unlike typical shrubs, yuccas form living architecture with blue green leaves, sharp yucca leaves on some species, and strong rosette or yucca tree silhouettes, pairing beautifully with vertical accents like Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass.
-
Multiple Species Options – There are nearly 50 known species of Yucca plants, including shrubby and tree-like varieties, from cold hardy yucca filamentosa to spineless yucca for indoor plants.
Many yuccas have sharp tips making them effective natural barriers, especially when placed away from walkways. Yuccas also possess deep fibrous root systems that help with erosion control, and yucca plants are fire-resistant, suitable for fire-prone areas, working well alongside evergreen screening options such as a Fern Pine hedge for privacy.
How To Grow Yucca Successfully
-
Plant in Well-Draining Soil
Yucca plants require well-draining soil to prevent root rot. Yucca plants thrive in well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5, and most yucca plants prefer sandy soil, rocky soil, or a gritty well draining soil mixture. Choose a full sun location with abundant natural light and at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. -
Water Sparingly
Water yucca plants every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry out. During winter, watering frequency can be reduced to once a month during winter for yuccas, or reduced to once every 3-4 weeks in winter depending on rainfall, container size, and temperature. Underwatering yuccas can cause brown tips on the leaves, but too much water is more dangerous because it can cause root rot. -
Watch It Thrive
Once established, outdoor yucca plants need minimal intervention. Remove dead or damaged leaves as needed, apply a light balanced fertilizer in spring if growth is weak, and monitor for tiny insects such as spider mites, scale, or mealybugs. Neem oil can help manage light pest pressure, while improved airflow and correct watering help prevent leaf discoloration. -
Propagate New Plants
Yucca plants can be propagated via stem cuttings or offsets. Some species also spread through yucca rhizomes from the parent plant. Seeds germinate slowly, so stem cuttings and offsets are often the simplest way to grow yucca and create new plants.
Plant Details
-
Species Available: Yucca rostrata, yucca filamentosa, yucca gloriosa, yucca aloifolia, yucca baccata, yucca elata, yucca whipplei, yucca filifera, yucca brevifolia, yucca elephantipes, spineless yucca, yucca gigantea, and more species of yucca.
-
Mature Size: Compact varieties can stay around 2-3 feet, while tree-like varieties can reach 15-30 feet or more.
-
Notable Sizes: Yucca brevifolia, known as Joshua Tree, can grow up to 30 feet tall. Yucca rostrata can reach heights of 15 feet and produces creamy white flowers. Yucca filamentosa, or Adam's Needle, has leaves up to 2 feet long. Yucca elephantipes can grow up to 30 feet in its natural habitat.
-
Hardiness Zones: Yucca plants can survive in USDA zones 4-11 outdoors, depending on the yucca species. Yucca plants can survive in USDA zones 4-11, though tender indoor forms need more protection.
-
Temperature Range: Most yuccas prefer a temperature range of 65°F to 80°F. Some yucca varieties can tolerate temperatures as low as 30°F, while cold hardy outdoor yucca selections may tolerate colder conditions depending on species.
-
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade; yucca plants need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
-
Soil Needs: Well draining soil is required; yuccas prefer well draining soil, sandy soil, or rocky soil to prevent root rot.
-
Bloom Style: Showy flower spikes rise above the foliage with bell shaped flowers, creamy white flowers, or white bell shaped flowers.
-
Plant Family: Yucca belongs to the asparagus family and is sometimes grouped with palm lilies in ornamental plant descriptions.
-
Coastal Use: The Spanish Dagger variety of yucca tolerates coastal conditions.
-
Indoor Use: Yucca indoors, especially spineless yucca or yucca elephantipes, works well in bright natural light and can purify the air by removing toxins and pollutants.
-
Safety Note: Yucca leaves and roots contain saponins which can be toxic if ingested. Keep sharp yucca leaves and plant parts away from pets, children, and livestock.
-
Traditional Uses: Yucca roots treat osteoarthritis and hypertension. Yucca is used for migraines and high cholesterol. Yucca roots help with diabetes and liver disorders. Yucca has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Yucca is used in natural remedies for circulation disorders. These medicinal properties and yucca extract uses are separate from ornamental planting; do not ingest ornamental plants without professional guidance.
-
Edible Parts: Some yucca species produce edible fruits, flower petals, or young plant parts when properly prepared, but not every yucca is used as food.
Who It's For
Ideal for:
-
California homeowners seeking drought-resistant landscaping solutions.
-
Desert garden enthusiasts who want authentic southwestern United States character.
-
Busy gardeners who want low maintenance plants with strong visual impact.
-
Landscape designers creating modern, architectural outdoor spaces.
-
Homeowners building rock gardens, xeriscapes, fire-conscious garden beds, and contemporary landscapes.
-
Plant lovers who want yucca indoors in a bright room with strong natural light.
-
Anyone comparing yuccas with ornamental grasses, flowering perennials, or other plants that need more water.
If you want a bold outdoor yucca, a small tree form, or a dramatic yucca tree for a dry garden, Yardwork can help you choose the right variety. For larger designs, a large yucca plant such as yucca rostrata, yucca gloriosa, or yucca brevifolia can anchor a space. For indoor styling, spineless yucca, yucca elephantipes, or yucca gigantea offers cleaner handling and a softer profile than spiny landscape species.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water my yucca?
Water yucca plants every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry out. Yuccas need to dry out between waterings to thrive. Reduce watering to once every 3-4 weeks in winter, and watering frequency can be reduced to once a month during winter for yuccas in cooler or lower-light conditions.
Will it survive California's dry summers?
Yes. Yuccas thrive in warm, dry environments requiring abundant sunlight. Yuccas are useful in xeriscaping designs due to their drought tolerance, and established plants conserve water effectively with very little supplemental irrigation.
How big will it get?
Yuccas can be categorized into shrubby and tree-like varieties. Size depends on species: yucca filamentosa stays lower, yucca rostrata can reach 15 feet, yucca brevifolia or Joshua Tree can grow up to 30 feet tall, and yucca elephantipes can grow up to 30 feet in its natural habitat.
Can I grow it in containers?
Yes. Many yucca species grow well in containers when planted in a well draining soil mixture. Make sure the pot drains freely, place the plant in bright natural light or direct sunlight, and avoid keeping the soil wet.
When will it bloom?
Most mature yuccas bloom after several years. Yuccas often showcase towering spikes of bell-shaped flowers, and yucca flowers may appear as tall flower spikes with creamy white flowers in summer or early fall.
Are yuccas safe around pets?
Use caution. Yucca leaves and roots contain saponins which can be toxic if ingested, and many yuccas have sharp tips. Choose spineless yucca for safer indoor placement, and keep spiny outdoor varieties away from paths and play areas.
Ready to Transform Your Landscape?
Choose a Yucca Plant and create a bold, drought-resistant garden with sword shaped leaves, showy flower spikes, and year-round structure. Browse Yardwork’s yucca selection to buy yucca plants for your landscape, patio, or bright indoor space. Need help choosing between yucca rostrata, yucca filamentosa, yucca gloriosa, spineless yucca, or another species? Yardwork’s expert consultation services can help match the right yucca species to your soil, sun exposure, space, and design goals.
Transform Your Landscape with Stunning Drought-Resistant Architecture
Yucca plants give you bold, sculptural structure without the constant watering, pruning, or upkeep required by many other plants. Known for sword shaped leaves, dramatic rosettes, and tall flower spikes, yuccas create instant focal points in rock gardens, xeriscapes, modern garden beds, and California landscapes built for dry climates.
These hardy perennials thrive in warm, dry environments requiring abundant sunlight, and most yucca plants need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. With the right well draining soil, yuccas conserve water effectively, resist many common landscape stresses, and bring year-round evergreen form to spaces where thirsty ornamental plants struggle.
Why You'll Love It
-
Drought Tolerance – Yucca plants are drought-tolerant and conserve water effectively, making them excellent low maintenance plants for xeriscaping and arid climates alongside other drought-tolerant California natives like California lilac.
-
Architectural Drama – Bold sword like leaves and geometric rosettes create dramatic focal points in minimalist landscape designs.
-
Low Maintenance – Yuccas need to dry out between waterings to thrive, so they ask for less attention than many shrubs, flowering perennials, and ornamental grasses.
-
Year-Round Interest – Evergreen yucca leaves provide structure through every season, whether you choose a compact yucca indoors or a large yucca plant outdoors.
-
Spectacular Blooms – Yuccas often showcase towering spikes of bell-shaped flowers, with creamy white flowers or white bell shaped flowers rising above the foliage.
Yuccas are also useful beyond appearance. Yucca plants provide habitat and food for wildlife, and yucca plants are pollinated by yucca moths. Yucca moths lay their eggs inside yucca flowers, and the yucca moth larvae feed on developing yucca seeds. The yucca moth and yucca plant pollination relationship is mutually beneficial for both species.
What Makes It Different
Most landscaping plants require constant watering, seasonal pruning, and frequent replacement when heat or drought intensifies. Yucca plants prefer the opposite approach: full sun, sandy soil or rocky soil, and time to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is a leading cause of root rot and yucca plant death, so planting yucca in a well draining soil mixture is essential.
Yucca Plant offers:
-
Native Adaptability – Many yucca species evolved in the southwestern United States, southern United States, the Mojave Desert, and other dry climates, making them naturally suited to California-style water-wise landscapes.
-
Sculptural Form – Unlike typical shrubs, yuccas form living architecture with blue green leaves, sharp yucca leaves on some species, and strong rosette or yucca tree silhouettes, pairing beautifully with vertical accents like Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass.
-
Multiple Species Options – There are nearly 50 known species of Yucca plants, including shrubby and tree-like varieties, from cold hardy yucca filamentosa to spineless yucca for indoor plants.
Many yuccas have sharp tips making them effective natural barriers, especially when placed away from walkways. Yuccas also possess deep fibrous root systems that help with erosion control, and yucca plants are fire-resistant, suitable for fire-prone areas, working well alongside evergreen screening options such as a Fern Pine hedge for privacy.
How To Grow Yucca Successfully
-
Plant in Well-Draining Soil
Yucca plants require well-draining soil to prevent root rot. Yucca plants thrive in well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5, and most yucca plants prefer sandy soil, rocky soil, or a gritty well draining soil mixture. Choose a full sun location with abundant natural light and at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. -
Water Sparingly
Water yucca plants every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry out. During winter, watering frequency can be reduced to once a month during winter for yuccas, or reduced to once every 3-4 weeks in winter depending on rainfall, container size, and temperature. Underwatering yuccas can cause brown tips on the leaves, but too much water is more dangerous because it can cause root rot. -
Watch It Thrive
Once established, outdoor yucca plants need minimal intervention. Remove dead or damaged leaves as needed, apply a light balanced fertilizer in spring if growth is weak, and monitor for tiny insects such as spider mites, scale, or mealybugs. Neem oil can help manage light pest pressure, while improved airflow and correct watering help prevent leaf discoloration. -
Propagate New Plants
Yucca plants can be propagated via stem cuttings or offsets. Some species also spread through yucca rhizomes from the parent plant. Seeds germinate slowly, so stem cuttings and offsets are often the simplest way to grow yucca and create new plants.
Plant Details
-
Species Available: Yucca rostrata, yucca filamentosa, yucca gloriosa, yucca aloifolia, yucca baccata, yucca elata, yucca whipplei, yucca filifera, yucca brevifolia, yucca elephantipes, spineless yucca, yucca gigantea, and more species of yucca.
-
Mature Size: Compact varieties can stay around 2-3 feet, while tree-like varieties can reach 15-30 feet or more.
-
Notable Sizes: Yucca brevifolia, known as Joshua Tree, can grow up to 30 feet tall. Yucca rostrata can reach heights of 15 feet and produces creamy white flowers. Yucca filamentosa, or Adam's Needle, has leaves up to 2 feet long. Yucca elephantipes can grow up to 30 feet in its natural habitat.
-
Hardiness Zones: Yucca plants can survive in USDA zones 4-11 outdoors, depending on the yucca species. Yucca plants can survive in USDA zones 4-11, though tender indoor forms need more protection.
-
Temperature Range: Most yuccas prefer a temperature range of 65°F to 80°F. Some yucca varieties can tolerate temperatures as low as 30°F, while cold hardy outdoor yucca selections may tolerate colder conditions depending on species.
-
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade; yucca plants need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
-
Soil Needs: Well draining soil is required; yuccas prefer well draining soil, sandy soil, or rocky soil to prevent root rot.
-
Bloom Style: Showy flower spikes rise above the foliage with bell shaped flowers, creamy white flowers, or white bell shaped flowers.
-
Plant Family: Yucca belongs to the asparagus family and is sometimes grouped with palm lilies in ornamental plant descriptions.
-
Coastal Use: The Spanish Dagger variety of yucca tolerates coastal conditions.
-
Indoor Use: Yucca indoors, especially spineless yucca or yucca elephantipes, works well in bright natural light and can purify the air by removing toxins and pollutants.
-
Safety Note: Yucca leaves and roots contain saponins which can be toxic if ingested. Keep sharp yucca leaves and plant parts away from pets, children, and livestock.
-
Traditional Uses: Yucca roots treat osteoarthritis and hypertension. Yucca is used for migraines and high cholesterol. Yucca roots help with diabetes and liver disorders. Yucca has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Yucca is used in natural remedies for circulation disorders. These medicinal properties and yucca extract uses are separate from ornamental planting; do not ingest ornamental plants without professional guidance.
-
Edible Parts: Some yucca species produce edible fruits, flower petals, or young plant parts when properly prepared, but not every yucca is used as food.
Who It's For
Ideal for:
-
California homeowners seeking drought-resistant landscaping solutions.
-
Desert garden enthusiasts who want authentic southwestern United States character.
-
Busy gardeners who want low maintenance plants with strong visual impact.
-
Landscape designers creating modern, architectural outdoor spaces.
-
Homeowners building rock gardens, xeriscapes, fire-conscious garden beds, and contemporary landscapes.
-
Plant lovers who want yucca indoors in a bright room with strong natural light.
-
Anyone comparing yuccas with ornamental grasses, flowering perennials, or other plants that need more water.
If you want a bold outdoor yucca, a small tree form, or a dramatic yucca tree for a dry garden, Yardwork can help you choose the right variety. For larger designs, a large yucca plant such as yucca rostrata, yucca gloriosa, or yucca brevifolia can anchor a space. For indoor styling, spineless yucca, yucca elephantipes, or yucca gigantea offers cleaner handling and a softer profile than spiny landscape species.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water my yucca?
Water yucca plants every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry out. Yuccas need to dry out between waterings to thrive. Reduce watering to once every 3-4 weeks in winter, and watering frequency can be reduced to once a month during winter for yuccas in cooler or lower-light conditions.
Will it survive California's dry summers?
Yes. Yuccas thrive in warm, dry environments requiring abundant sunlight. Yuccas are useful in xeriscaping designs due to their drought tolerance, and established plants conserve water effectively with very little supplemental irrigation.
How big will it get?
Yuccas can be categorized into shrubby and tree-like varieties. Size depends on species: yucca filamentosa stays lower, yucca rostrata can reach 15 feet, yucca brevifolia or Joshua Tree can grow up to 30 feet tall, and yucca elephantipes can grow up to 30 feet in its natural habitat.
Can I grow it in containers?
Yes. Many yucca species grow well in containers when planted in a well draining soil mixture. Make sure the pot drains freely, place the plant in bright natural light or direct sunlight, and avoid keeping the soil wet.
When will it bloom?
Most mature yuccas bloom after several years. Yuccas often showcase towering spikes of bell-shaped flowers, and yucca flowers may appear as tall flower spikes with creamy white flowers in summer or early fall.
Are yuccas safe around pets?
Use caution. Yucca leaves and roots contain saponins which can be toxic if ingested, and many yuccas have sharp tips. Choose spineless yucca for safer indoor placement, and keep spiny outdoor varieties away from paths and play areas.
Ready to Transform Your Landscape?
Choose a Yucca Plant and create a bold, drought-resistant garden with sword shaped leaves, showy flower spikes, and year-round structure. Browse Yardwork’s yucca selection to buy yucca plants for your landscape, patio, or bright indoor space. Need help choosing between yucca rostrata, yucca filamentosa, yucca gloriosa, spineless yucca, or another species? Yardwork’s expert consultation services can help match the right yucca species to your soil, sun exposure, space, and design goals.
Plants vary greatly by type and no guarantees are made on sizing.
However here is a rough idea of sizes based on containers that are direct from our growing grounds.
15 Gallon Shrub 3-4 Ft. Tall
15 Gallon Tree 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Shrub 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Tree 6-7 Ft. Tall
36" Box Tree 8-10 Ft. Tall
48" Box Tree 10-12 Ft. Tall
Please note: Citrus and California Native plants such as Manzanita are smaller than traditional sizing.
Please contact us to confirm sizing of items before purchasing if this is a concern.
Plants vary greatly by type and no guarantees are made on sizing.
However here is a rough idea of sizes based on containers that are direct from our growing grounds.
15 Gallon Shrub 3-4 Ft. Tall
15 Gallon Tree 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Shrub 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Tree 6-7 Ft. Tall
36" Box Tree 8-10 Ft. Tall
48" Box Tree 10-12 Ft. Tall
Please note: Citrus and California Native plants such as Manzanita are smaller than traditional sizing.
Please contact us to confirm sizing of items before purchasing if this is a concern.
Delivery does not include unloading of trees and plants larger than a 24" box.
Trees and plants in smaller containers will be dropped curbside.
Delivery beyond a curbside drop will be charged extra.
Trees and plants that are sold in container sizes larger than a 24" box size will require equipment and an operator onsite to help unload from the truck.
Please reach out to our team PRIOR to placing your order to coordinate.
Our team can provide unloading assistance with equipment for an extra fee.
Delivery does not include unloading of trees and plants larger than a 24" box.
Trees and plants in smaller containers will be dropped curbside.
Delivery beyond a curbside drop will be charged extra.
Trees and plants that are sold in container sizes larger than a 24" box size will require equipment and an operator onsite to help unload from the truck.
Please reach out to our team PRIOR to placing your order to coordinate.
Our team can provide unloading assistance with equipment for an extra fee.
You may also like...
Yucca Plant
Regular price
$75.00
Size
Variety
Transform Your Landscape with Stunning Drought-Resistant Architecture
Yucca plants give you bold, sculptural structure without the constant watering, pruning, or upkeep required by many other plants. Known for sword shaped leaves, dramatic rosettes, and tall flower spikes, yuccas create instant focal points in rock gardens, xeriscapes, modern garden beds, and California landscapes built for dry climates.
These hardy perennials thrive in warm, dry environments requiring abundant sunlight, and most yucca plants need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. With the right well draining soil, yuccas conserve water effectively, resist many common landscape stresses, and bring year-round evergreen form to spaces where thirsty ornamental plants struggle.
Why You'll Love It
-
Drought Tolerance – Yucca plants are drought-tolerant and conserve water effectively, making them excellent low maintenance plants for xeriscaping and arid climates alongside other drought-tolerant California natives like California lilac.
-
Architectural Drama – Bold sword like leaves and geometric rosettes create dramatic focal points in minimalist landscape designs.
-
Low Maintenance – Yuccas need to dry out between waterings to thrive, so they ask for less attention than many shrubs, flowering perennials, and ornamental grasses.
-
Year-Round Interest – Evergreen yucca leaves provide structure through every season, whether you choose a compact yucca indoors or a large yucca plant outdoors.
-
Spectacular Blooms – Yuccas often showcase towering spikes of bell-shaped flowers, with creamy white flowers or white bell shaped flowers rising above the foliage.
Yuccas are also useful beyond appearance. Yucca plants provide habitat and food for wildlife, and yucca plants are pollinated by yucca moths. Yucca moths lay their eggs inside yucca flowers, and the yucca moth larvae feed on developing yucca seeds. The yucca moth and yucca plant pollination relationship is mutually beneficial for both species.
What Makes It Different
Most landscaping plants require constant watering, seasonal pruning, and frequent replacement when heat or drought intensifies. Yucca plants prefer the opposite approach: full sun, sandy soil or rocky soil, and time to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is a leading cause of root rot and yucca plant death, so planting yucca in a well draining soil mixture is essential.
Yucca Plant offers:
-
Native Adaptability – Many yucca species evolved in the southwestern United States, southern United States, the Mojave Desert, and other dry climates, making them naturally suited to California-style water-wise landscapes.
-
Sculptural Form – Unlike typical shrubs, yuccas form living architecture with blue green leaves, sharp yucca leaves on some species, and strong rosette or yucca tree silhouettes, pairing beautifully with vertical accents like Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass.
-
Multiple Species Options – There are nearly 50 known species of Yucca plants, including shrubby and tree-like varieties, from cold hardy yucca filamentosa to spineless yucca for indoor plants.
Many yuccas have sharp tips making them effective natural barriers, especially when placed away from walkways. Yuccas also possess deep fibrous root systems that help with erosion control, and yucca plants are fire-resistant, suitable for fire-prone areas, working well alongside evergreen screening options such as a Fern Pine hedge for privacy.
How To Grow Yucca Successfully
-
Plant in Well-Draining Soil
Yucca plants require well-draining soil to prevent root rot. Yucca plants thrive in well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5, and most yucca plants prefer sandy soil, rocky soil, or a gritty well draining soil mixture. Choose a full sun location with abundant natural light and at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. -
Water Sparingly
Water yucca plants every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry out. During winter, watering frequency can be reduced to once a month during winter for yuccas, or reduced to once every 3-4 weeks in winter depending on rainfall, container size, and temperature. Underwatering yuccas can cause brown tips on the leaves, but too much water is more dangerous because it can cause root rot. -
Watch It Thrive
Once established, outdoor yucca plants need minimal intervention. Remove dead or damaged leaves as needed, apply a light balanced fertilizer in spring if growth is weak, and monitor for tiny insects such as spider mites, scale, or mealybugs. Neem oil can help manage light pest pressure, while improved airflow and correct watering help prevent leaf discoloration. -
Propagate New Plants
Yucca plants can be propagated via stem cuttings or offsets. Some species also spread through yucca rhizomes from the parent plant. Seeds germinate slowly, so stem cuttings and offsets are often the simplest way to grow yucca and create new plants.
Plant Details
-
Species Available: Yucca rostrata, yucca filamentosa, yucca gloriosa, yucca aloifolia, yucca baccata, yucca elata, yucca whipplei, yucca filifera, yucca brevifolia, yucca elephantipes, spineless yucca, yucca gigantea, and more species of yucca.
-
Mature Size: Compact varieties can stay around 2-3 feet, while tree-like varieties can reach 15-30 feet or more.
-
Notable Sizes: Yucca brevifolia, known as Joshua Tree, can grow up to 30 feet tall. Yucca rostrata can reach heights of 15 feet and produces creamy white flowers. Yucca filamentosa, or Adam's Needle, has leaves up to 2 feet long. Yucca elephantipes can grow up to 30 feet in its natural habitat.
-
Hardiness Zones: Yucca plants can survive in USDA zones 4-11 outdoors, depending on the yucca species. Yucca plants can survive in USDA zones 4-11, though tender indoor forms need more protection.
-
Temperature Range: Most yuccas prefer a temperature range of 65°F to 80°F. Some yucca varieties can tolerate temperatures as low as 30°F, while cold hardy outdoor yucca selections may tolerate colder conditions depending on species.
-
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade; yucca plants need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
-
Soil Needs: Well draining soil is required; yuccas prefer well draining soil, sandy soil, or rocky soil to prevent root rot.
-
Bloom Style: Showy flower spikes rise above the foliage with bell shaped flowers, creamy white flowers, or white bell shaped flowers.
-
Plant Family: Yucca belongs to the asparagus family and is sometimes grouped with palm lilies in ornamental plant descriptions.
-
Coastal Use: The Spanish Dagger variety of yucca tolerates coastal conditions.
-
Indoor Use: Yucca indoors, especially spineless yucca or yucca elephantipes, works well in bright natural light and can purify the air by removing toxins and pollutants.
-
Safety Note: Yucca leaves and roots contain saponins which can be toxic if ingested. Keep sharp yucca leaves and plant parts away from pets, children, and livestock.
-
Traditional Uses: Yucca roots treat osteoarthritis and hypertension. Yucca is used for migraines and high cholesterol. Yucca roots help with diabetes and liver disorders. Yucca has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Yucca is used in natural remedies for circulation disorders. These medicinal properties and yucca extract uses are separate from ornamental planting; do not ingest ornamental plants without professional guidance.
-
Edible Parts: Some yucca species produce edible fruits, flower petals, or young plant parts when properly prepared, but not every yucca is used as food.
Who It's For
Ideal for:
-
California homeowners seeking drought-resistant landscaping solutions.
-
Desert garden enthusiasts who want authentic southwestern United States character.
-
Busy gardeners who want low maintenance plants with strong visual impact.
-
Landscape designers creating modern, architectural outdoor spaces.
-
Homeowners building rock gardens, xeriscapes, fire-conscious garden beds, and contemporary landscapes.
-
Plant lovers who want yucca indoors in a bright room with strong natural light.
-
Anyone comparing yuccas with ornamental grasses, flowering perennials, or other plants that need more water.
If you want a bold outdoor yucca, a small tree form, or a dramatic yucca tree for a dry garden, Yardwork can help you choose the right variety. For larger designs, a large yucca plant such as yucca rostrata, yucca gloriosa, or yucca brevifolia can anchor a space. For indoor styling, spineless yucca, yucca elephantipes, or yucca gigantea offers cleaner handling and a softer profile than spiny landscape species.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water my yucca?
Water yucca plants every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry out. Yuccas need to dry out between waterings to thrive. Reduce watering to once every 3-4 weeks in winter, and watering frequency can be reduced to once a month during winter for yuccas in cooler or lower-light conditions.
Will it survive California's dry summers?
Yes. Yuccas thrive in warm, dry environments requiring abundant sunlight. Yuccas are useful in xeriscaping designs due to their drought tolerance, and established plants conserve water effectively with very little supplemental irrigation.
How big will it get?
Yuccas can be categorized into shrubby and tree-like varieties. Size depends on species: yucca filamentosa stays lower, yucca rostrata can reach 15 feet, yucca brevifolia or Joshua Tree can grow up to 30 feet tall, and yucca elephantipes can grow up to 30 feet in its natural habitat.
Can I grow it in containers?
Yes. Many yucca species grow well in containers when planted in a well draining soil mixture. Make sure the pot drains freely, place the plant in bright natural light or direct sunlight, and avoid keeping the soil wet.
When will it bloom?
Most mature yuccas bloom after several years. Yuccas often showcase towering spikes of bell-shaped flowers, and yucca flowers may appear as tall flower spikes with creamy white flowers in summer or early fall.
Are yuccas safe around pets?
Use caution. Yucca leaves and roots contain saponins which can be toxic if ingested, and many yuccas have sharp tips. Choose spineless yucca for safer indoor placement, and keep spiny outdoor varieties away from paths and play areas.
Ready to Transform Your Landscape?
Choose a Yucca Plant and create a bold, drought-resistant garden with sword shaped leaves, showy flower spikes, and year-round structure. Browse Yardwork’s yucca selection to buy yucca plants for your landscape, patio, or bright indoor space. Need help choosing between yucca rostrata, yucca filamentosa, yucca gloriosa, spineless yucca, or another species? Yardwork’s expert consultation services can help match the right yucca species to your soil, sun exposure, space, and design goals.
Transform Your Landscape with Stunning Drought-Resistant Architecture
Yucca plants give you bold, sculptural structure without the constant watering, pruning, or upkeep required by many other plants. Known for sword shaped leaves, dramatic rosettes, and tall flower spikes, yuccas create instant focal points in rock gardens, xeriscapes, modern garden beds, and California landscapes built for dry climates.
These hardy perennials thrive in warm, dry environments requiring abundant sunlight, and most yucca plants need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. With the right well draining soil, yuccas conserve water effectively, resist many common landscape stresses, and bring year-round evergreen form to spaces where thirsty ornamental plants struggle.
Why You'll Love It
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Drought Tolerance – Yucca plants are drought-tolerant and conserve water effectively, making them excellent low maintenance plants for xeriscaping and arid climates alongside other drought-tolerant California natives like California lilac.
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Architectural Drama – Bold sword like leaves and geometric rosettes create dramatic focal points in minimalist landscape designs.
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Low Maintenance – Yuccas need to dry out between waterings to thrive, so they ask for less attention than many shrubs, flowering perennials, and ornamental grasses.
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Year-Round Interest – Evergreen yucca leaves provide structure through every season, whether you choose a compact yucca indoors or a large yucca plant outdoors.
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Spectacular Blooms – Yuccas often showcase towering spikes of bell-shaped flowers, with creamy white flowers or white bell shaped flowers rising above the foliage.
Yuccas are also useful beyond appearance. Yucca plants provide habitat and food for wildlife, and yucca plants are pollinated by yucca moths. Yucca moths lay their eggs inside yucca flowers, and the yucca moth larvae feed on developing yucca seeds. The yucca moth and yucca plant pollination relationship is mutually beneficial for both species.
What Makes It Different
Most landscaping plants require constant watering, seasonal pruning, and frequent replacement when heat or drought intensifies. Yucca plants prefer the opposite approach: full sun, sandy soil or rocky soil, and time to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is a leading cause of root rot and yucca plant death, so planting yucca in a well draining soil mixture is essential.
Yucca Plant offers:
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Native Adaptability – Many yucca species evolved in the southwestern United States, southern United States, the Mojave Desert, and other dry climates, making them naturally suited to California-style water-wise landscapes.
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Sculptural Form – Unlike typical shrubs, yuccas form living architecture with blue green leaves, sharp yucca leaves on some species, and strong rosette or yucca tree silhouettes, pairing beautifully with vertical accents like Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass.
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Multiple Species Options – There are nearly 50 known species of Yucca plants, including shrubby and tree-like varieties, from cold hardy yucca filamentosa to spineless yucca for indoor plants.
Many yuccas have sharp tips making them effective natural barriers, especially when placed away from walkways. Yuccas also possess deep fibrous root systems that help with erosion control, and yucca plants are fire-resistant, suitable for fire-prone areas, working well alongside evergreen screening options such as a Fern Pine hedge for privacy.
How To Grow Yucca Successfully
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Plant in Well-Draining Soil
Yucca plants require well-draining soil to prevent root rot. Yucca plants thrive in well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5, and most yucca plants prefer sandy soil, rocky soil, or a gritty well draining soil mixture. Choose a full sun location with abundant natural light and at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. -
Water Sparingly
Water yucca plants every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry out. During winter, watering frequency can be reduced to once a month during winter for yuccas, or reduced to once every 3-4 weeks in winter depending on rainfall, container size, and temperature. Underwatering yuccas can cause brown tips on the leaves, but too much water is more dangerous because it can cause root rot. -
Watch It Thrive
Once established, outdoor yucca plants need minimal intervention. Remove dead or damaged leaves as needed, apply a light balanced fertilizer in spring if growth is weak, and monitor for tiny insects such as spider mites, scale, or mealybugs. Neem oil can help manage light pest pressure, while improved airflow and correct watering help prevent leaf discoloration. -
Propagate New Plants
Yucca plants can be propagated via stem cuttings or offsets. Some species also spread through yucca rhizomes from the parent plant. Seeds germinate slowly, so stem cuttings and offsets are often the simplest way to grow yucca and create new plants.
Plant Details
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Species Available: Yucca rostrata, yucca filamentosa, yucca gloriosa, yucca aloifolia, yucca baccata, yucca elata, yucca whipplei, yucca filifera, yucca brevifolia, yucca elephantipes, spineless yucca, yucca gigantea, and more species of yucca.
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Mature Size: Compact varieties can stay around 2-3 feet, while tree-like varieties can reach 15-30 feet or more.
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Notable Sizes: Yucca brevifolia, known as Joshua Tree, can grow up to 30 feet tall. Yucca rostrata can reach heights of 15 feet and produces creamy white flowers. Yucca filamentosa, or Adam's Needle, has leaves up to 2 feet long. Yucca elephantipes can grow up to 30 feet in its natural habitat.
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Hardiness Zones: Yucca plants can survive in USDA zones 4-11 outdoors, depending on the yucca species. Yucca plants can survive in USDA zones 4-11, though tender indoor forms need more protection.
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Temperature Range: Most yuccas prefer a temperature range of 65°F to 80°F. Some yucca varieties can tolerate temperatures as low as 30°F, while cold hardy outdoor yucca selections may tolerate colder conditions depending on species.
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Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade; yucca plants need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
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Soil Needs: Well draining soil is required; yuccas prefer well draining soil, sandy soil, or rocky soil to prevent root rot.
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Bloom Style: Showy flower spikes rise above the foliage with bell shaped flowers, creamy white flowers, or white bell shaped flowers.
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Plant Family: Yucca belongs to the asparagus family and is sometimes grouped with palm lilies in ornamental plant descriptions.
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Coastal Use: The Spanish Dagger variety of yucca tolerates coastal conditions.
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Indoor Use: Yucca indoors, especially spineless yucca or yucca elephantipes, works well in bright natural light and can purify the air by removing toxins and pollutants.
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Safety Note: Yucca leaves and roots contain saponins which can be toxic if ingested. Keep sharp yucca leaves and plant parts away from pets, children, and livestock.
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Traditional Uses: Yucca roots treat osteoarthritis and hypertension. Yucca is used for migraines and high cholesterol. Yucca roots help with diabetes and liver disorders. Yucca has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Yucca is used in natural remedies for circulation disorders. These medicinal properties and yucca extract uses are separate from ornamental planting; do not ingest ornamental plants without professional guidance.
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Edible Parts: Some yucca species produce edible fruits, flower petals, or young plant parts when properly prepared, but not every yucca is used as food.
Who It's For
Ideal for:
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California homeowners seeking drought-resistant landscaping solutions.
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Desert garden enthusiasts who want authentic southwestern United States character.
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Busy gardeners who want low maintenance plants with strong visual impact.
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Landscape designers creating modern, architectural outdoor spaces.
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Homeowners building rock gardens, xeriscapes, fire-conscious garden beds, and contemporary landscapes.
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Plant lovers who want yucca indoors in a bright room with strong natural light.
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Anyone comparing yuccas with ornamental grasses, flowering perennials, or other plants that need more water.
If you want a bold outdoor yucca, a small tree form, or a dramatic yucca tree for a dry garden, Yardwork can help you choose the right variety. For larger designs, a large yucca plant such as yucca rostrata, yucca gloriosa, or yucca brevifolia can anchor a space. For indoor styling, spineless yucca, yucca elephantipes, or yucca gigantea offers cleaner handling and a softer profile than spiny landscape species.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water my yucca?
Water yucca plants every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry out. Yuccas need to dry out between waterings to thrive. Reduce watering to once every 3-4 weeks in winter, and watering frequency can be reduced to once a month during winter for yuccas in cooler or lower-light conditions.
Will it survive California's dry summers?
Yes. Yuccas thrive in warm, dry environments requiring abundant sunlight. Yuccas are useful in xeriscaping designs due to their drought tolerance, and established plants conserve water effectively with very little supplemental irrigation.
How big will it get?
Yuccas can be categorized into shrubby and tree-like varieties. Size depends on species: yucca filamentosa stays lower, yucca rostrata can reach 15 feet, yucca brevifolia or Joshua Tree can grow up to 30 feet tall, and yucca elephantipes can grow up to 30 feet in its natural habitat.
Can I grow it in containers?
Yes. Many yucca species grow well in containers when planted in a well draining soil mixture. Make sure the pot drains freely, place the plant in bright natural light or direct sunlight, and avoid keeping the soil wet.
When will it bloom?
Most mature yuccas bloom after several years. Yuccas often showcase towering spikes of bell-shaped flowers, and yucca flowers may appear as tall flower spikes with creamy white flowers in summer or early fall.
Are yuccas safe around pets?
Use caution. Yucca leaves and roots contain saponins which can be toxic if ingested, and many yuccas have sharp tips. Choose spineless yucca for safer indoor placement, and keep spiny outdoor varieties away from paths and play areas.
Ready to Transform Your Landscape?
Choose a Yucca Plant and create a bold, drought-resistant garden with sword shaped leaves, showy flower spikes, and year-round structure. Browse Yardwork’s yucca selection to buy yucca plants for your landscape, patio, or bright indoor space. Need help choosing between yucca rostrata, yucca filamentosa, yucca gloriosa, spineless yucca, or another species? Yardwork’s expert consultation services can help match the right yucca species to your soil, sun exposure, space, and design goals.
Plants vary greatly by type and no guarantees are made on sizing.
However here is a rough idea of sizes based on containers that are direct from our growing grounds.
15 Gallon Shrub 3-4 Ft. Tall
15 Gallon Tree 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Shrub 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Tree 6-7 Ft. Tall
36" Box Tree 8-10 Ft. Tall
48" Box Tree 10-12 Ft. Tall
Please note: Citrus and California Native plants such as Manzanita are smaller than traditional sizing.
Please contact us to confirm sizing of items before purchasing if this is a concern.
Plants vary greatly by type and no guarantees are made on sizing.
However here is a rough idea of sizes based on containers that are direct from our growing grounds.
15 Gallon Shrub 3-4 Ft. Tall
15 Gallon Tree 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Shrub 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Tree 6-7 Ft. Tall
36" Box Tree 8-10 Ft. Tall
48" Box Tree 10-12 Ft. Tall
Please note: Citrus and California Native plants such as Manzanita are smaller than traditional sizing.
Please contact us to confirm sizing of items before purchasing if this is a concern.
Delivery does not include unloading of trees and plants larger than a 24" box.
Trees and plants in smaller containers will be dropped curbside.
Delivery beyond a curbside drop will be charged extra.
Trees and plants that are sold in container sizes larger than a 24" box size will require equipment and an operator onsite to help unload from the truck.
Please reach out to our team PRIOR to placing your order to coordinate.
Our team can provide unloading assistance with equipment for an extra fee.
Delivery does not include unloading of trees and plants larger than a 24" box.
Trees and plants in smaller containers will be dropped curbside.
Delivery beyond a curbside drop will be charged extra.
Trees and plants that are sold in container sizes larger than a 24" box size will require equipment and an operator onsite to help unload from the truck.
Please reach out to our team PRIOR to placing your order to coordinate.
Our team can provide unloading assistance with equipment for an extra fee.
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Thousands of Healthy Plants Delivered
Yardwork was so great to work with. First they had the Swan Hill olive trees that we had been searching for, we had contacted several other nurseries without any luck previously. Then they answered all of our questions in a timely matter prior to ordering and finally delivered within a few days of placing it. Their staff is incredibly knowledgeable; they delivered and planted our trees with expertise to ensure that they would do well in our yard. We would definitely work with them again for future projects.
A Modern Experience
At Yardwork, we carefully curate thousands of plants, in all container sizes, to provide you with the best selection of the highest quality trees and plants at the best price, with the convenience of an online platform.
Uncompromised Quality
We choose only the finest specimens and hand select our plants just before delivery to ensure you receive the freshest and most robust specimens available for your landscape.
Industry Leading Warranties
Our 30, 90, and 365 extended warranties provide some of the best coverage to ensure our trees and plants thrive in your landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
We're committed to changing everything about trees and plants - how they’re grown, how you shop for them, and how much they cost. We handle orders ourselves. No middlemen to get between us (or our prices) and you.
We're committed to changing everything about trees and plants - how they’re grown, how you shop for them, and how much they cost. We handle orders ourselves. No middlemen to get between us (or our prices) and you.
Delivery does not include unloading of trees and plants LARGER than a 24" box.
Trees and plants in smaller containers will be dropped curbside (usually on the driveway or near the front doorstep).
Delivery beyond a curbside drop will be charged extra.
Trees and plants that are sold in container sizes LARGER than a 24" box size will require equipment and/or enough manpower onsite to help unload from the truck.
Please reach out to our team PRIOR to placing your order to help coordinate.
Our team can provide unloading assistance with equipment for an extra fee as well.
Delivery does not include unloading of trees and plants LARGER than a 24" box.
Trees and plants in smaller containers will be dropped curbside (usually on the driveway or near the front doorstep).
Delivery beyond a curbside drop will be charged extra.
Trees and plants that are sold in container sizes LARGER than a 24" box size will require equipment and/or enough manpower onsite to help unload from the truck.
Please reach out to our team PRIOR to placing your order to help coordinate.
Our team can provide unloading assistance with equipment for an extra fee as well.
We ship locally within California within 7-10 days of your order being placed.
We ship nationally using carrier partners, based on order size. Our common order minimums for out of state shipping is $5,000.
Text or call 323-576-4159 for specific shipping details for your location.
We ship locally within California within 7-10 days of your order being placed.
We ship nationally using carrier partners, based on order size. Our common order minimums for out of state shipping is $5,000.
Text or call 323-576-4159 for specific shipping details for your location.
We are currently online only and don't have physical locations where you can view plants in person.
That's why we have photos direct from the growing grounds of the plants we will ship and we display pricing right in our store.
We do make sure to pick the very best trees and plants prior to shipping and make sure that they have gone through our multi-point inspection for health and structure.
We will always reach out prior to delivery if we find a quality issue or need to provide a substitute.
We are currently online only and don't have physical locations where you can view plants in person.
That's why we have photos direct from the growing grounds of the plants we will ship and we display pricing right in our store.
We do make sure to pick the very best trees and plants prior to shipping and make sure that they have gone through our multi-point inspection for health and structure.
We will always reach out prior to delivery if we find a quality issue or need to provide a substitute.
Plants vary greatly by type. Here is a rough idea of sizes based on containers that are direct from our growing grounds.
15 Gallon Shrub 3-4 Ft. Tall
15 Gallon Tree 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Shrub 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Tree 6-7 Ft. Tall
36" Box Shrub/Tree 7-9 Ft. Tall
48" Box Shrub/Tree 8-10 Ft. Tall
**Please note that we do not make guarantees of sizes. If you have questions or concerns, please call or text to request accurate sizing for the particular plant you're considering, prior to ordering.
Plants vary greatly by type. Here is a rough idea of sizes based on containers that are direct from our growing grounds.
15 Gallon Shrub 3-4 Ft. Tall
15 Gallon Tree 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Shrub 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Tree 6-7 Ft. Tall
36" Box Shrub/Tree 7-9 Ft. Tall
48" Box Shrub/Tree 8-10 Ft. Tall
**Please note that we do not make guarantees of sizes. If you have questions or concerns, please call or text to request accurate sizing for the particular plant you're considering, prior to ordering.
We offer a limited 30 day warranty for plants that are delivered and planted by someone else and a 90 day warranty for plants that we plant.
The limited warranty covers plants that die as a result of disease or fungus which was derived from our growing grounds or from root balls that were root bound.
The warranty does not cover damage due to watering, fertilizer, soils, or any other conditions beyond our control. Additionally, the warranty does not cover plants that are shipped out of the state of California or shipped into California from other states. Custom plant orders are also not covered under warranty. Plants must be planted within 24 hours after delivery to qualify.
We can assist you in recommending the right soils and fertilizers to help your plant thrive after you plant it.
Text or call 323-576-4159 for further warranty information.
We offer a limited 30 day warranty for plants that are delivered and planted by someone else and a 90 day warranty for plants that we plant.
The limited warranty covers plants that die as a result of disease or fungus which was derived from our growing grounds or from root balls that were root bound.
The warranty does not cover damage due to watering, fertilizer, soils, or any other conditions beyond our control. Additionally, the warranty does not cover plants that are shipped out of the state of California or shipped into California from other states. Custom plant orders are also not covered under warranty. Plants must be planted within 24 hours after delivery to qualify.
We can assist you in recommending the right soils and fertilizers to help your plant thrive after you plant it.
Text or call 323-576-4159 for further warranty information.
Our local delivery team covers most cities in California.
There are some exceptions, so please get in touch to confirm prior to ordering.
Additionally, we ship using semi trucks and trailers throughout the entire United States and even abroad for large orders over $5,000. Each shipment is custom, so please reach out to our team to coordinate.
Our local delivery team covers most cities in California.
There are some exceptions, so please get in touch to confirm prior to ordering.
Additionally, we ship using semi trucks and trailers throughout the entire United States and even abroad for large orders over $5,000. Each shipment is custom, so please reach out to our team to coordinate.