Woody lilies are a group of plants that are native mostly to the
southwestern US and Mexico and include plants in Agave, Yucca, Hesperaloe, Nolina, Dasylirion and Manfreda. Generally, these plants have a reputation as being "bullet proof," meaning they can handle extreme drought, heat and sun, providing the gardener with an incredible carefree summer. The great danger to the woody lily is heavy wet soil because it weakens the roots and provides an opportunity for pathogens. Once the roots are weakened, the plant is much more likely to become a target of insects, such as the snout weevil or the rhinoceros beetle. Long wet wet winters are especially problematic because the soaked soil does not evaporate by the end of the day.

So care should be taken to ensure the plant has sufficient time to dry out between rains. First, if it is a full sun plant (Dasylirion, Hesperaloe, Manfreda and Yucca), select a full sun location, especially a south facing sunny spot. Second, the soil used for all woody lilies should be extremely porous, so water runs quickly through it. Never use bagged garden soil because it contains peat or heavily composted soil which takes a long time to dry out. Avoid heavy clay soil for the same reason. Avoid sand because it tends to settle, remain wet, then compact around roots. The ideal woody lily soil is about half sandy loam and half expanded shale, the latter being very porous and quick to dry. Third, elevate the woody lily on a small mound to provide additional drainage. If the location is already raised, the small mound is not necessary. Add an additional inch of expanded shale as a mulch around the woody lily. This will prevent dirt from splashing onto the plant during heavy rains. Fourth, it is advisable to trim the dead leaves from the base of certain woody lilies. This is a fine balancing act. On the one hand, the dead leaves provide protection from the sun in summer and cold in winter. This is good. Sometimes, the dead leaves shunt water away from the plant keeping the soil dry. This is also good. On the other hand, sometimes the rains are so heavy that dead leaves actually trap moisture under the plant keeping the roots wet for long periods of time. This is not good. In this situation, according to Wade Roitsch of Yucca Do Nursery, the dead leaves should be trimmed, as in the case of woody
lilies with very narrow leaves. Finally, never water your woody lilies overhead. Water accumulated in the rosette can take a long time to dry and cause it to rot. Furthermore, water very sparingly. Your woody lily may respond positively to increased water, but in the case of agaves which die after flowering, this water will cause the agave to mature faster, flower sooner and die sooner. We don't want that!

If you already have woody lilies that have been sub-optimally planted, just remember that most can be easily transplanted. They are not delicate. The best time is fall, but spring is fine as long as you give them extra irrigation when needed. Yucca may regenerate from the roots if the plant dies, so don't immediately pitch a dead yucca. By following these guides and properly caring for your woody lily, you give it a better chance to have a full life, which may not be a century but could be close to it.

Good gardening to you,
Craig Jackson
Nursery Manager