Yucca rostrata, also known as the Beaked Yucca or Blue Yucca, is a striking, slow-growing succulent native to the desert regions of Mexico and parts of the Southwestern United States. It is known for its blue-green foliage, distinctive beaked flower clusters, and overall dramatic appearance, making it a popular choice for landscaping in dry, arid environments.

Key Features:

1. Foliage:

   • Yucca rostrata has long, narrow, sword-shaped leaves that are typically blue-green to grayish-blue in color, providing a beautiful contrast in gardens.
   • The leaves are stiff, spiky, and form a dense rosette at the base. Each leaf can grow up to 1-2 feet long, and the plant’s overall shape is compact and symmetrical.
   • The leaves have sharp tips, so caution should be taken when handling them.

2. Flowers:

   • In the spring to early summer, Yucca rostrata produces tall, slender flower stalks that rise up to 8-10 feet from the center of the plant.
   • The flowers are cream to white in color, bell-shaped, and appear in large, dense clusters at the top of the flower stalk.
   • The flowers are attractive to pollinators, including bees and hummingbirds.

3. Growth Habit:

   • Yucca rostrata is a single-trunked plant that can reach a height of 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters), with a spread of 2-3 feet (0.6-1 meter).
   • As it matures, it may form multiple trunks, giving it a more tree-like appearance. The plant forms a rosette of leaves at the base and tall flowering stalks in the center.

Growing Conditions:

1. Light:

   • Yucca rostrata thrives in full sun and requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It is well-suited for hot and dry climates, making it ideal for xeriscaping.

2. Watering:

   • Yucca rostrata is highly drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering once established.
   • Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
   • During the growing season (spring and summer), water the plant about once every 2-3 weeks, reducing watering in the winter.

3. Soil:

   • This yucca prefers well-draining, sandy, or gravelly soils. It can tolerate a range of soil types but requires good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
   • The ideal pH level is slightly alkaline to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.

4. Temperature:

   • Yucca rostrata is well-suited for hot and dry conditions. It can withstand high temperatures and is relatively cold-hardy, tolerating temperatures down to -10°F (-23°C) when established.
   • In colder climates, it should be protected from frost, or grown in containers that can be moved indoors during winter.