Our Lord's Candle (Yucca whipplei)
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Partial shade
- Frost limit
- −12.2 °C
Cultivation
Thrives in any soil but prefers a sandy loam and full exposure to the south. Plants are hardy to at least -5°c. Cultivated as a fibre plant in Mexico. A very ornamental plant. Usually monocarpic, living for a number of years without flowering and dying after it does flower. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. Members of this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits
Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. Pre-soaking the seed for 24 hours in warm water may reduce the germination time. It usually germinates within 1 - 12 months if kept at a temperature of 20°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for at least their first two winters. Plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer and consider giving them some winter protection for at least their first winter outdoors - a simple pane of glass is usually sufficient[K]. Seed is not produced in Britain unless the flowers are hand pollinated. Root cuttings in late winter or early spring. Lift in April/May and remove small buds from base of stem and rhizomes. Dip in dry wood ashes to stop any bleeding and plant in a sandy soil in pots in a greenhouse until established. Division of suckers in late spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the following spring.
Edible uses
Fruit - raw or cooked. Flowers - raw or cooked. This suggests the flowers are quite bitter[K]. Flowering stem - raw or cooked. Seed - cooked. It can be ground into a powder or cooked and used as a gruel.
Material uses
A fibre obtained from the leaves is used for making ropes, baskets and mats. The leaves are used as paint brushes. The roots are rich in saponins and can be used as a soap substitute.
Habitat
Dry, grassy and often stony slopes to 1200 metres.
Native range
South-western N. America - S. California, Mexico.