Fay’s Yucca Plant
The Plant Story
When in 1976, Fay Ballard bought a Yucca from Marks & Spencer to give to her father, the novelist J.G. Ballard, she never imagined the small pot plant would still be alive almost 50 years later. In this episode, Fay tells us how the plant took root in her father’s home and grew into somewhat of a monster - perhaps helped by the weekly doses of Baby Bio! But why was this plant so special to her father and why is it now so special to her?
We learn so much more about these plants thanks to a National Collection holder Colin Smith and with the help of Lord Rose, former Chief Executive and Chairman of Marks & Spencer we answer the question: “why was this most British of highstreet shops, selling this plant in the 70s and 80s?”
Fay Ballard in front of the Yucca plant she bought for her dad.
Fay shared with me photographs of the Yucca in her father’s house as well as drawings, she is a botanical artist, she made of the plant.
Why were Marks & Spencer selling Yucca Plants?
In the 1970s, Marks & Spencer were beginning to work out how to introduce ‘horticulture’ into their shops, it was difficult at first because you have to keep the ‘product’ - flowers and plants - at a constant temperature. The Yucca became one of their early successes.
According to Lord Stuart Rose, former CEO and chairman, the decision was partly driven by practicality: Yuccas were tough, green, and almost indestructible.
The plants were propagated and imported largely through Dutch horticultural suppliers, who were ahead of the curve in mass-producing houseplants. Yuccas, especially Yucca gigantea, (formerly Yucca elephantipes) were favoured for their ability to survive even with minimal care—perfect for the British living room.
The craze was so strong, says Lord Rose, that the Yucca became “a must-have item”. Marks & Spencer scaled up production, essentially commoditising the Yucca. But does Lord Rose have one?
The images below are shared with thanks to the "The M&S Archive".
How to Grow a Yucca
Colin Smith holds a National Collection of Yucca Plants and he loves them because of the flowers. I realised as we chatted that I had never seen a Yucca plant in bloom so Colin kindly send me this photograph, of one of the plants in his collection. This is Yucca madrensis and it has taken over 20 years to flower. The first Yucca that started Colin’s collection came from, yes you guessed, Marks and Spencer!
His passion for the plant comes across in his conversation with Fay but below summarised is his advice if you would like to have a go at growing this plant.
Yucca madrensis
Sadly Colin has never seen Yucca gigantea (formerly Yucca elephantipes) which is the one Marks and Spencer and others were selling, bloom in this country. Though there is a rumour that one bloomed in the UK in a hotel foyer! But the good news is that other Yuccas which will live beyond the windowsill and will bloom in this country - are available, so read on for suggestions.
However this is growing advice for Yucca gigantea:
Position
Light: It thrives in bright light. A sunny, south-facing window is ideal—but avoid placing them right against the glass to prevent scorching.
Temperature: They prefer warmth but can tolerate some cold. Yucca gigantea originally comes from Veracruz in Mexico so in the UK it is best kept inside as a houseplant. However as it does in Fay’s garden in London, it can live outside but be warned that a hard winter could damage it and it does need to be protected from frost.
I have seen some very large specimens in London, growing in front gardens, which I suspect are escaped pot plants from the 70’s and 80’s but there is a microclimate in the city - I haven’t seen a frost in my garden in many years.
Watering
Less is more: Overwatering is the most common mistake. Water deeply but infrequently—ideally once every one to two weeks in summer, and less in winter.
Drainage: Make sure the pot has good drainage. Yuccas do not like sitting in waterlogged soil.
Feeding
Minimal feeding: Colin feeds his once in spring. Yuccas prefer poor soils and generally don’t need much extra nutrition.
Baby Bio (with caution!): While Fay’s father generously fed his Yucca Baby Bio every time he visited the petrol station, Colin recommends moderation—Yuccas do better with a little neglect.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning: You can cut back overgrown shoots with secateurs to reshape the plant or reduce size. Yuccas often sprout new shoots from pruning points.
Repotting: Repot if the plant becomes root-bound - use a gritty, free-draining compost. But the great thing about Yucca gigantea is that it will live in the same pot for many years. Colin has one that has been in the same pot for 20 years! The old name Yucca elephantipes revered to the way that the trunk of the plant spreads out at the base like an elephants foot.
Flowers & Propagation
Getting it to flower: Sadly Yucca gigantea is reluctant to bloom without warm, bright conditions, Colin has seen them blooming in Southern Europe and when they do bloom the panicles are quite small. If you have one that has bloomed do get in touch, I am sure that Colin would love to know more.
Propagation: Yuccas can be propagated by removing side shoots in summer. Place them in warm, gritty compost until rooted.
Want Something More Unusual?
Now we have started talking about Yuccas I am sure you will start to see them in other places - that is what happens to me! We asked Colin what other Yuccas he would recommend, should Fay want to start a collection!
If it is flowers you are after then Colin recommends Yucca recurvifolia which will flower every year and the panicle of flowers will be 1-2 metres.
He also recommends Yucca rostrata which will happily grow outside but it does have teeth on the edge of the leaves so do be careful if weeding beneath it!
Colin has just bought himself a Yucca rigida which he has planted in the garden in a sheltered spot.
For more advice and options check specialist nurseries like:
Further Reading & Links
More about Fay Ballard’s work
Finally
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