When I bought my first dacha in 2011, the first thing I noticed was a huge, spherical, thorny plant. I didn't know how to approach it or what to do with it, and I already had plenty of problems, so I gave it to my neighbor without regret, without even knowing its name.
Some time later, I saw this plant in a well-groomed state. The difference was colossal, and the appearance of flowers on the bush completely captivated me. From then on, my intimate acquaintance with yucca began—I planted four of them!
Yucca is an easy-to-grow, beautiful plant native to warmer parts of America. It thrives in the Caucasus and southern Russia. It requires attention, including pruning and crown shaping. It tolerates temperature fluctuations and irregular watering without issue.
It fits perfectly into any landscape and can serve as a beautiful fence or decoration for a yard. For example, I have it growing in my yard and along the fence outside.
The green leaves at the end are very prickly, which repels not only unwanted animals, but also people.
For the sake of experimentation, some bushes are growing simply in the ground, while others are densely covered at the base with large stones to retain moisture longer and decorate the flowerbed.
After a year of observation, I can say that the plant feels great in any conditions, but it likes the option with lots of stones a little more: flowering occurs earlier, and the volume of leaves is significantly larger.
In June and July, the yucca produces a central flower stalk that blossoms into numerous clusters of white or cream-colored, bell-shaped flowers. Blooming lasts for about a month.
In the fall, when preparing the yucca for winter, I trim the lower leaves to shape the crown. Some people do this in the spring, too, which gives the plant a palm-like appearance rather than a ball.
Please note that a bush may consist of several plants on a single trunk. These are called "babies," and they can be broken off and planted in the ground. But I left them; I like it this way.
A single plant is compact, and when pruned it takes up little space - about 50-80 sq. cm.
Multi-headed bushes occupy an area of 100 to 150 square cm. They are best planted as single accents in the area.
I've heard that yucca is often mentioned in folk medicine recipes as a remedy for gastrointestinal ailments, joint problems, and skin problems. But I've never personally used such remedies. I discard trimmed leaves and don't make any decoctions or infusions.
A friend of mine used to steam yucca and then rinse her scalp and hair with the liquid after washing. Within a few tries, she got rid of seborrhea oleosa and the itching that accompanied it.
This is what a beauty and helper the yucca turns out to be!