The 'Sapphire Skies' Blue Beaked Yucca has long, narrow, silver green with a subtle shade of blue leaves with some shorter than others that forms a dense crown atop an elegant single trunk. A showy spike of white flowers emerges at maturity. Best used as a striking specimen or in xeriscapes as it is extremely drought tolerant.
How to care for Beaked Yucca (Yucca rostrata)
Light. Full sun, at least half a day of direct sun.
Water. Water sparingly. It is very drought tolerant, and overwatering leads to root rot.
Soil and feeding. It needs well-drained sandy soil; other soils work only if they drain well. It takes acid or alkaline soil. Avoid low spots that stay wet.
Size. Listed at 12–15 ft. It grows slowly, forming a single trunk topped by a round crown of leaves.
Problems to watch. No serious problems. Spider mites, mealybugs, scale and aphids are minor issues; treat with Insecticidal Soap following the label.
Good to know. Native to Texas and northeastern Mexico. Its leaves are softer than most yuccas, so it is less dangerous near paths. Old leaves stay on the trunk as a skirt.
Sources: NC State Extension Plant Toolbox: Yucca rostrata · UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Yucca
