- Indoor yuccas can be left outside in the summer
- Hardy garden yuccas for outdoor cultivation all year round
Yucca elephantipes, as the yucca palm (which, botanically speaking, is not a palm tree at all) is correctly called in technical jargon, is one of the most popular indoor plants in Germany. The asparagus plant can reach a height of up to two meters or more, even in pot culture. No wonder, then, if the proud owner of such a plant would like to cultivate it outdoors. Although the indoor yucca enjoys a bright and warm place outdoors during the summer months, it is - in contrast to the Yucca filamentosa - not hardy.
The indoor yucca is also good for the sun outdoors
Indoor yuccas can be left outside in the summer
Yucca elephantipes is easily recognized by its typical thick trunk and palm-like tuft of long, broad, dark green leaves. This type of palm lily is preferably cultivated in the bright apartment or in the conservatory, but can also be outdoors during the warm summer months. Look for a sheltered and bright location, but avoid direct sun or a place in full sun. Instead, you slowly acclimate the plant to the changed conditions and only put it outside for a few hours at first. The temperatures should not be below 16 °C. The plant also does not like damp weather such as in rainy summers. Do not place the room yucca on the balcony or terrace until the end of May / beginning of June at the earliest.
Hardy garden yuccas for outdoor cultivation all year round
In contrast to the frost-sensitive Yucca elephantipes, species such as the Yucca filamentosa (filamentous palm lily) or the candle palm lily (Yucca gloriosa) are hardy and can remain outdoors all year round. These yucca species tolerate temperatures down to minus 15 °C and can therefore be found in many gardens. Light winter protection is only necessary in very harsh winters. It is much more important to ensure loose, well-drained soil as protection against waterlogging and sufficient distance to other plants - yuccas can grow very high and just as wide.
Young garden yuccas are still very sensitive
However, young garden yuccas, such as cuttings or offshoots, are quite sensitive to the cold. At least in the first few winters, these should be kept cool but frost-free (so it is better not to plant them out yet!) and gradually get used to rougher weather conditions.
tips
Hardy or not, yuccas generally don't tolerate rain; especially not if it comes frequently and/or in large quantities. Therefore, you should protect all yuccas from rain.