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I have a 35 year old Yucca which has lived in the conservatory but has now grown to tall and wide for it. I put it outside for the summer and now cannot get it back in. I have wrapped it temperarily in bubble plastic, stems and leaves, will it survive the winter like this or what else should I do? If I cut it down, will it survive and will the cuttings grow? I do not know the variety but it has never flowered. Please help I don't want to loose it after all these years.




Answers

 

If you don't know the variety, can you post a photograph please? Most varieties of Yucca are bone hardy if planted outdoors from the start, but obviously yours isn't acclimatised, and the pot its in could be a problem - frost and cold getting at the roots throught that, so the pot should be insulated, certainly.

22 Nov, 2015

 

Yes, we definitely need pictures. Most of the large species of Yucca either aren't frost hardy, or can't take damp cold and frozen soil.

22 Nov, 2015

 

If you don't know which variety it is, insulate the pot so that the roots are protected from wet and freezing conditions.

23 Nov, 2015

 

Thank you all for your response. From what I can see and read on the internet I think it is an Elephantipes, I can't take a photograph as it is all wrapped in bubble plastic. It is approximately 9ft tall and over five foot spread, has three main trunks coming from the same base at soil level and several branches from each of the three trunks. It is in a plastic tub which I stupidly did not wrap in bubble plastic and we had a bad frost last night and will now remedy. Is there anything else I can do or should I just cut it to fit the conservatory and hope for the best? Thanks again.

23 Nov, 2015

 

Elephantipes is a subtropical species, so I would cut it to get it into the conservatory a.s.a.p. It should grow back from the cut stumps, if not already too frost damaged, and the cut stems can be planted as cuttings, just in case.

23 Nov, 2015

 

Yep, agree with Tugbrethil - this one is tender, you've no choice but to cut back and bring inside.

24 Nov, 2015

 

Thanks again to Tugbrethil and Bamboo for your advice. It's pitch black outside now so I will have to cut down tomorrow, so please think of me cutting my long treasured plant and praying for it to survive. Anyone want a cutting?

24 Nov, 2015

 

My prayers are with you, Carol, but there is little danger--Y. elephantipes takes pruning very well.

25 Nov, 2015

 

Thanks for the offer, Carolgibbons, but no thanks - they always get too big and I've got low ceilings to start with here!

25 Nov, 2015

How do I say thanks?

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