The Yucca elephantipes ‘Lemon Drop’, also known as the Spineless Yucca, is a striking and architectural evergreen plant prized for its bold foliage and upright form. Unlike some other Yucca varieties, its leaves have soft tips, making it a safer and more user-friendly option for high-traffic areas. The foliage forms a stunning rosette of sword-shaped leaves with a vibrant, variegated pattern of lime-green, lemon, and dark green. As it matures, it develops a thick, sturdy trunk, giving it a tree-like appearance.
Caring for Your ‘Lemon Drop’
- Growing Conditions: This tough plant thrives in full sun to part shade. It’s a great choice for hot, dry spots in the garden. It is not fussy about soil type, as long as it is well-draining, as it’s very susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions.
- Watering: It is incredibly drought-tolerant once established. While it’s getting settled, water it once or twice a week, but after that, it requires very little watering. The key is to let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
- Feeding: This plant is very low-maintenance when it comes to feeding. A slow-release, general-purpose fertiliser once a year in spring is all that’s needed to keep it healthy.
- Pruning: Pruning is rarely necessary. Simply remove any spent or yellowing lower leaves to keep the plant looking tidy and to expose the trunk.
Usage in the Garden
The ‘Lemon Drop’ is a versatile plant that makes a big impact. Its strong, upright form and vibrant foliage make it a fantastic architectural feature in tropical, Mediterranean, or modern gardens. It looks sensational as a standalone specimen in a pot on a patio or balcony. You can also plant it in a row to create a decorative, low-maintenance border or use it as a striking focal point in a garden bed.
