Chaparral Yucca
Hesperoyucca whipplei
Also listed as Yucca whipplei, Hesperoyucca peninsularis
Also known as Our Lord's Candle, Foothill Yucca, Quixote Yucca
Climate Match for your location
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A striking desert yucca with tall spikes of fragrant white bell-shaped flowers that rise dramatically above a dense rosette of narrow, sharp-pointed blue-green leaves. Highly drought-tolerant and suitable for xeriscaping in arid and semi-arid regions.
Why grow it
Hesperoyucca whipplei performs well in low-water landscapes where many ornamentals struggle, offering architectural interest comparable to other desert yuccas but with notably fragrant flowers that attract pollinators. It establishes quickly once established and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in regions receiving 10-20 inches of annual rainfall, making it a practical choice for xeriscaping over more thirsty alternatives.
Watch out for
Plants may take several years to reach flowering maturity, so young specimens should not be judged prematurely on bloom performance. The sharp leaf margins and points demand careful siting away from high-traffic areas and regular foot traffic paths. In mild winter climates, excessive moisture or poor drainage can stress the plant more readily than cold alone.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asparagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southern California
Native to: California
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A striking desert yucca with tall spikes of fragrant white bell-shaped flowers that rise dramatically above a dense rosette of narrow, sharp-pointed blue-green leaves. Highly drought-tolerant and suitable for xeriscaping in arid and semi-arid regions.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Chaparral Yucca grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Hesperoyucca whipplei performs well in low-water landscapes where many ornamentals struggle, offering architectural interest comparable to other desert yuccas but with notably fragrant flowers that attract pollinators. It establishes quickly once established and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in regions receiving 10-20 inches of annual rainfall, making it a practical choice for xeriscaping over more thirsty alternatives.
Watch out for
Plants may take several years to reach flowering maturity, so young specimens should not be judged prematurely on bloom performance. The sharp leaf margins and points demand careful siting away from high-traffic areas and regular foot traffic paths. In mild winter climates, excessive moisture or poor drainage can stress the plant more readily than cold alone.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asparagaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southern California
Native to: California
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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