Overwintering Yucca

[hilashes]

Hope everyone's having a great summer! Please forgive me for mentioning this, but it's hard to believe we're approaching the last couple of weeks of August! I know we still have lots of time left, but I'm already starting to plan for my second year of overwintering my palms, et al. Last year was unsuccessful due to an unusually cold and bizarre winter here on the south coast, not to mention making it harder for a first-time palm buff, so I want to get it right this time.
I planted my first Adam's Needle this year and it's a pretty good size. I'm concerned about the amount of rain it will face this winter, so does anyone have suggestions as to how I should protect it from all of that moisture? It's on a rocky retaining wall against a south facing fence, which is backed onto a large greenbelt. I thought about maybe attaching some kind of overhang to the top part of the fence??

Thanks in advance!
Heidi

[Paul Ont]

I wouldn't worry about moisture with any 'Eastern' type Yucca in B.C. Your winters are moist yes, but the cold isn't an issue. I'm assuming that by "Adam's Needle" you mean Yucca filamentosa (the non-trunking Eastern species), which would not have a problem in the B.C. rain unless it is submerged in a pond for the entire winter!

If you're going to be getting into some of the larger Western U.S. then you're going to have to consider mositure protection and /or faster draining soil. But, again, there is nothing to worry about with the Eastern species.

[hilashes]

Thanks much Paul! and yes I mean Yucca Filamentosa, non trunking. it is sitting on a well drained area anyhow so that makes is even better. There are lots of these all over BC but just wasn't sure how Vancouverites managed with them.

Thanks again!
Heidi