Yucca gloriosa Citrus Twist

Yucca gloriosa Citrus Twist, with its evergreen foliage that is almost multicoloured and its succulent plant appearance, allows every gardener to add a beautiful exotic touch to their garden or balcony. This unusual variety indeed develops foliage which is randomly variegated with different shades of yellow and green, with the border becoming more or less orange to red over time under the effect of the sun. The plant possesses the same qualities of resistance, sparing use of water, and hardiness as the type species. Its long, tough, and pointed leaves are gathered in a rosette from which a spectacular flowering stalk emerges in summer, adorned with numerous flowers resembling large white bells. Discover it today!

Originally from the southeastern United States, growing along the coast and in dune areas, Yucca gloriosa has naturalised in many countries. It is a rhizomatous plant belonging to the agave family. The Citrus Twist cultivar stands out with its remarkably coloured leaves, which are slightly longer and more flexible. When young, Yucca gloriosa Citrus Twist forms a somewhat untidy and naturally unbranched ball. After many years, it can form a very short trunk, ramified into several branches. In our temperate climates, the plant will reach about 1.5 m (5 ft) in height when flowering, and 1 m (3 ft) for the foliage. The wide, thick and gutter-shaped leaves are about 80 cm (32 in) long, 6 cm (2 in) wide and lanceolate, with a hard and very pointed tip. Flowering occurs after 3 to 4 years of growth and signals the death of the rosette which will then be replaced by another one. Very fragrant and nectar-rich, the flowers resemble bell-shaped blooms. They are white to off-white in colour, sometimes washed with wine lees, and their reverse side is stained with deep pink. The flower buds display different shades of deep pink. They are carried on upright and branched panicles, which are very decorative.

Yucca gloriosa Citrus Twist is hardy below -15 °C (5 °F) and very easy to grow. It will thrive in any well-drained or even dry and poor soil. It should be kept away from paths and young children due to its sharp-pointed leaves. This large, bright, and variegated plant is ideal for structuring a large rock garden or for brilliantly occupying the centre of an exotic flower bed. It can be planted alone or combined with Puya, Agave americana, Dasylirion, and fairly hardy prickly pear cacti that appreciate the same growing conditions, on a dry slope. It can also be placed in a very large pot on the terrace, where it truly catches the eye.