Yucca plants, admired for their architectural form and drought tolerance, are popular choices for both indoor and outdoor landscapes. These hardy, evergreen perennials are known for their sword-like leaves and range from small, desk-sized varieties to towering, trunk-forming specimens. Because they are adaptable to many environments, their cost varies significantly based on factors like species, size, and where the purchase is made.
Core Price Ranges by Size and Type
The cost of a Yucca plant is directly tied to its maturity and physical size. The lowest entry point is typically through seeds or small starter plants. A packet of seeds for common varieties like Yucca filamentosa (Adam’s Needle) can be acquired for under $10. A small, rooted start in a 3.5-inch pot often falls into the $23 to $30 range for specific cultivars, offering the lowest initial investment.
Mid-sized plants, ready for direct outdoor planting, are the most common purchase for immediate landscaping impact. A standard 1-gallon container of a species like Yucca gloriosa can be found for approximately $15 to $27, depending on the cultivar’s rarity. Moving up to a larger 5-gallon container provides a more established look, raising the price to the $30 to $77 range for plants like Red Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora) or the Beaked Yucca (Yucca rostrata).
The highest prices are reserved for mature, visually striking specimen plants, particularly those with a developed trunk. A 14-inch indoor Yucca cane can cost around $99, while large outdoor specimens command a premium due to their age and slow growth rate. For the highly sought-after Yucca rostrata, a 20-gallon size may cost about $250, and a 30-gallon specimen can reach $500. Truly large, trunked trees are often priced by height, with some nurseries charging $250 per foot of trunk, resulting in prices that can exceed $600.
Factors That Influence Yucca Pricing
The source of the plant heavily influences the final purchase price, with a noticeable difference between vendor types. Big-box stores generally offer the lowest prices for common Yucca varieties, often up to one-third less than specialized retailers. However, this affordability can carry a risk, as the plants may receive less individualized care, potentially leading to pests or stress.
Local or specialty nurseries, while charging a higher price, often provide healthier specimens and access to unique cultivars. These specialized sellers also offer expert advice tailored to local climate conditions, which can save money on replacements. Online retailers may feature rare species, but the final cost is often inflated by specialized packaging and shipping fees necessary to protect the plant during transit.
Species and age dictate a price premium. Species with slow growth rates or unique characteristics, such as the blue-tinged foliage of Yucca rostrata, cost more because they take years to reach a marketable size. Fully established, older plants are priced significantly higher because they provide instant visual impact and have a higher chance of surviving transplantation. Geographic location also plays a role, as non-native plants require added transportation costs, especially if they must be shipped from a distant grower.
Budgeting for Installation and Related Costs
The total expense of acquiring a Yucca extends beyond the plant’s price tag, encompassing necessary supplies and services. For indoor or container gardening, the cost of the specialized planting medium must be factored in. Yuccas require a specialized succulent or cactus mix that provides superior drainage and aeration to prevent root rot. These soil mixes can cost around $13 to $14 for a small bag.
For large outdoor specimens, delivery and professional installation services can significantly increase the total budget. Transporting a large Yucca requires specialized handling; freight shipping can range from $100 up to $400, or commercial haulers may charge $1 to $2 per mile. Professional installation labor for a small tree or shrub typically costs between $50 and $150 per hour, or a flat rate of $150 to $300 for a small tree installation.
Planting a mature Yucca specimen can require specialized equipment and a crew, pushing installation costs much higher, sometimes up to $3,000 for a large tree-sized specimen. These labor costs cover extensive excavation, site preparation, and the use of heavy lifting equipment. The budget should also include basic care items like specialized fertilizers or protective coverings for winter in colder climates where Yuccas are marginally hardy.