The asparagus plant Yucca Gloriosa has long, narrow leaves that are arranged in a rosette. This palm-like appearance gives her access to our gardens. But she can also reward patient owners for successful care: with an enchanting inflorescence.
The Yucca Gloriosa bears numerous small flowers
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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 show up in late summer.
appearance of the flowers
What is often perceived by the viewer as a large flower is in fact an inflorescence with countless small flowers. On closer inspection, this becomes obvious.
- the inflorescence can reach a height of between 0.5 and 1.5 m
- it is branched like panicles
- the numerous flowers hanging from 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 is a light green pistil about 1 cm long
- and six shorter stamens
- the flowers are fragrant
Notice:
The fruits of the candle palm lily can be eaten raw or cooked. But young inflorescences can also be prepared like asparagus.
pollination
The flowers are pollinated in their homeland by yucca moths, which are not found here. If you want the fruit to set, you have to take the trouble of hand pollination.
To cut
Dried inflorescences are not a pretty sight. You can safely grab the secateurs to remove them promptly. After cutting, the plant forms new shoots on the side, which will bloom themselves after about 3 to 4 years. The yucca grows larger and can delight us with several inflorescences at the same time in the coming years.
tips
Leave about 10 cm of the flower stalk. This prevents the shoot tip from rotting, which would damage the entire plant.