Yucca thompsoniana
Light: Full sun; tolerates light afternoon shade in Phoenix, especially near heat-reflecting walls.
Water: Low water once established. Water deeply but infrequently during Phoenix’s hot, dry months, allowing soil to dry thoroughly between waterings; reduce watering substantially in winter.
Soil: Excellent drainage is essential; sandy, gravelly, or rocky soil preferred. Tolerates alkaline soil; use a raised mound where drainage is poor.
Mature size: Typically 6–12 feet tall and 4–6 feet wide; flower stalks extend above the foliage.
Bloom: Mature plants bloom in spring to early summer, though not necessarily every year. Flowering does not kill the plant.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen.
Growth rate: Slow.