Yucca linearifolia GreenFin

Yucca linearifolia 'GreenFin' is a spectacular tree-like plant, with a desert charm, hardy in many regions. This variety of Yucca with linear leaves forms one or more trunks topped with a sphere composed of very fine, rigid, green leaves that become bluish in summer, playing with the light. After a few years, this variety will become the centrepiece of a large rock garden or exotic bed. Give it sun and well-drained, sandy or rocky soil.

Yucca linearifolia 'GreenFin' is a French horticultural selection by Frédéric Julien. The species, the Yucca with linear leaves, is native to the Chihuahuan Desert in the Mexican states of Coahuila and Nuevo Leon. It is a species closely related to Yucca rostrata known to be less sensitive to winter moisture and to have slightly faster growth. Yucca linearifolia can withstand temperatures to around -15°C in well-drained soil, and summer drought. It is a tree-like plant belonging to the asparagus family.

When young, the 'GreenFin' Yucca forms a dense, hairy ball composed of fine, long, finely toothed, rigid leaves. After several years, it forms a 2m tall trunk covered with a 'skirt' of dry leaves, which can branch out. This trunk bears a large spherical crown 1m to 1.20m wide, composed of a multitude of leaves. The leaves are initially grass green, then become bluish due to the layer of wax that forms on their epidermis. They measure 40 to 60cm in length and 5 to 7mm in width. The spectacular flowering occurs after 3 to 4 years of cultivation, from May to July. In this variety, the inflorescence is unique and emerges distinctly from the foliage. It develops into a large ovoid panicle. The bell-shaped, pendulous flowers are creamy yellow and waxy. They are borne on upright and branched panicles measuring 50 to 80cm high and carried at over 4m in height. When watered during the summer, this Yucca shows rapid growth. It produces a few shoots near its crown.

The 'GreenFin' Yucca requires plenty of sun and well-drained, rather poor and dry soil. It particularly dislikes waterlogged soils in winter. This beautiful plant will find a place on a large slope, in the centre of an exotic or contemporary rock garden, or even near a swimming pool. It should be kept away from walkways and young children, due to its sharp-pointed leaves. This large plant will simply be magnificent as a specimen, accompanied by a carpet of snow-in-summer (Cerastium), or even a lawn of Zoysia tenuifolia, the Mascarene grass. In a rocky setting, it can also be associated with agaves, prickly pears (Opuntia), and hardy candle cacti like Cylindropuntia imbricata. It can also be planted in a very large pot on the terrace. Choose the most sheltered spot, in full sun, and away from foot traffic to avoid contact with its sharp leaves.