Q: We purchased and planted six yucca plants in our flower bed (Dallas, TX) last August and only one bloomed this summer. That one long stem bloomed for a few weeks and remains with 'dead pods' on it. These are planted in beds with three on each side of the sidewalk, facing southwest. One side get more tree shade than the other (where bloom is.) Our beds are well-worked, with peat and landscape mix, and well watered. Should the bloom stem be cut off? Is there a fertilizer for them to shoot out more blooms? Thanks for any info you might offer! MJ
A: MJ, go ahead and cut off the stem that had the flowers on it all the way to the base of the stalk after the blooms have faded. Be sure to wear heavy gloves to avoid cuts from the sharp leaves.
There are many species of yucca and not all of them bloom every year. Yuccas bloom best in full sun although they will bloom in part shade. They will thrive almost anywhere except in poorly drained soil. Now that they are established, they do not need much water, although they will appreciate a good soaking once or twice in a very hot, dry summer. They tend to thrive in poor soils as well as rich, so they require little fertilizer. An application of a small amount of slow release fertilizer in the early spring might help bloom set.