The asparagus plant Yucca Gloriosa has long, narrow leaves that are arranged in a rosette. This palm-like appearance gives it access to our gardens. But it can also reward patient owners for successful care: with an enchanting inflorescence.
When and how does the Yucca Gloriosa bloom?
The Yucca Gloriosa blooms mainly in autumn, sometimes in late summer. It forms a panicle-like, branched inflorescence with many bell-shaped, white, cream or slightly greenish flowers that are 2 to 3.5 cm large and fragrant.
Flowering time
Yucca Gloriosa, also called candle palm lily, Spanish dagger or simply outdoor yucca, focuses on its growth at the beginning of the growing season. Only in autumn does it sprout a flower stalk from its center. Depending on the weather, the flowers can also appear in late summer.
Appearance of the flowers
What is often perceived by the viewer as a large flower is actually an inflorescence with countless small flowers. This becomes obvious upon closer inspection.
- the inflorescence can grow between 0.5 and 1.5 m high
- it is branched like a panicle
- the numerous flowers hanging on it are bell-shaped
- similar to lily of the valley, only larger
- they are formed from six petals each
- their coloring can be white, cream or slightly greenish
- The diameter of a flower is about 2 to 3.5 cm
- In the middle there is a light green stamp about 1 cm long
- and six shorter stamens
- the flowers are fragrant
Note:The fruits of the candle palm lily are edible raw and cooked. But young inflorescences can also be prepared like asparagus.
Pollination
The flowers are pollinated in their homeland by yucca moths, which, however, are not found here. If you want the fruit to set, you have to go to the trouble of hand pollination.
Cutting
Dried inflorescences are not a pretty sight. You can safely use secateurs (€14.00 on Amazon) to remove them promptly. After cutting, the plant forms new shoots on the sides, which will bloom themselves after about 3 to 4 years. This makes the yucca larger and will be able to delight us with several inflorescences at the same time in the coming years.
Tip
Leave about 10 cm of the flower stem. This prevents rot from occurring at the shoot tip, which would damage the entire plant.
