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Yuccas - are their roots invasive?

GrayfleurGrayfleur Posts: 23
in Plants
Hello. We have two yuccas (outside) that have outgrown their pots, and we were considering planting them in the ground in positions next to the house. Having Googled whether their roots would be a problem next to a building, I have read completely opposing sets of advice! Could anyone advise me on this? Many thanks in advance.
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Posts

  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    All I know is that a Yucca gloriosa in a clay pot broke the pot as it grew. 
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Interesting that you should ask this as I've had one in a pot for about three years and was wondering whether it's now time to find a place for it in the ground.  Your post alerted me to check whether this is a good idea.  I found this information which makes me inclined to leave it in its pot!

    Are Yucca Roots Invasive? Do They Have Deep Roots? – LeafyJournal
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I wouldn't have thought they'd be problematic, but it's not possible to grow them outside here, and would need to be potted and brought inside, so I certainly can't say one way or the other.
    However, that's an interesting item @Plantminded!  I wonder whether the locations and climates make a big difference - as with many plants? In ideal conditions, lots of plants are highly invasive. 
    Perhaps a barrier in the ground would be the best solution @Grayfleur, and if they get a bit too thuggish you can just remove them, but maybe not put the near the house.... ;)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    PS.  My cure was to put in a wooden half-barrel.  Wood, plastic, metal; anything that will give a bit.  Mind you, repotting Yuccas is not an easy or safe task.  Wear gloves, stout clothes and eye protection.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Yes, I think that's the best idea @Fairygirl, a root barrier to keep it under control. I might promote mine to a bigger pot though!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I'm just surprised you can keep them outdoors all year round @Plantminded. Just shows the difference in the various parts of the country   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Positively tropical down here @Fairygirl!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Plantminded said:
    Positively tropical down here @Fairygirl!
     :D 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • GrayfleurGrayfleur Posts: 23
    bédé said:
    All I know is that a Yucca gloriosa in a clay pot broke the pot as it grew. 
    Thank you for the input! Yes, ours are bursting out of the pots, but the pots are rather small! Just wanted to give them some space, but the only spare bit we have is next to a wall, hence my question! Thanks again.
  • GrayfleurGrayfleur Posts: 23
    Plantminded said:
    Interesting that you should ask this as I've had one in a pot for about three years and was wondering whether it's now time to find a place for it in the ground.  Your post alerted me to check whether this is a good idea.  I found this information which makes me inclined to leave it in its pot!

    Are Yucca Roots Invasive? Do They Have Deep Roots? – LeafyJournal
    Hi. Thank you for replying! Yes, I saw something similar; but I also saw an article saying their roots were unlikely to cause a problem, hence my confusion! I felt a bit sorry for them in their pots, but I'm thinking I'll just go for bigger pots! Thanks again!
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