Yucca filifera

Yucca filifera is one of the fastest-growing yuccas, native to northern Mexico. It forms a branched tree topped with spear-shaped, upwards-facing leaves with curled filaments that appear as peeling threads from the edges. It’s not fully hardy in the UK unless kept completely dry in winter, which is difficult given its eventual height of 9m (although it rarely grows to this height in the UK). However, if space allows, it’s well worth growing in the conservatory or greenhouse. In milder regions it’s perfect for growing in a tropical planting scheme, and provides excellent structural interest. Mature plants bear large clusters of creamy, bell-shaped flowers in early summer.

Grow Yucca filifera in very free-draining soil or compost in a sheltered spot in full sun. Protect from winter wet or grow in a container which you can move indoors in autumn. If the plant grows too tall you can simply chop the trunk to your desired height – new branches will form beneath it.