Is this a Yukka?

I need to sort this out as it's a complete mess and hasn't been looked at for over 2 yrs. Can I cut it at this time of year without ruining it? And if so how many inches from the ground should I cut it down to please? Many thanks..

ps Went to join and was told my email was already in use and then remembered i'd joined a couple of years ago! Im so glad I found this site again as ive recently moved and have a lovely garden and wish to keep it as such

 

Not sure if it's a Yukka, as mine has a big thick base.

They also survive with very little water, probably why yours is looking a bit down (that's if it is one).

 

Its not a yucca its a frost damaged Phormium.

Best to just remove the damaged leaves as close to the ground as possible, try to leave the green new growth in tact.

 

Hi, Not sure if my comments are pertinant, but I have grown many yuccas in New Zealand and the frost hardy ones do tend to suffer die back in colder years, normally the yucca tends to sit out of the ground, does yours do so? have you had any flowers? if so what were they like?

 

I agree with Pete, it`s not a yucca it`s a phormium.

 

Hi Katweazle. Pete is correct (Phormium) and he is also spot on with treatment required.

 

Thank you all especially Pete
Im not sure how it sits because truthfully I havent looked! I will however spend some time with it at make it look smart again I will do as advised and carefully remove its dead bits... However what do I need to do to keep it happy once the pruning is done and before the next frosts arrive?

 

My sister has several massive phormiums, she doesn't do anything much, just thins out tatty foliage when necessary. As your is mostly tatty I think I'd be tempted tol give it a total haircut and let the plant take it from there, after a good water and feed. Most likely you'll get a lovely fresh dome of foliage before Autumn comes. If you leave the green foliage on maybe you'll end up with a long floppy tuft with a short ruff around it.
(Oo er missus.)

 

Oooerrr indeed!!! Ive since spoken to a neighbour who tells me the previous owner used to just chop the lot right across... but then I thought after, look what that's done to it!! So Im a little caught 'tween a rock & a hard place to make a decision!
Do I remove the dead and risk a 'floppy tuft' or simply cut the lot down and pray??
Omg I wont be able to sleep over the worry lol
I kind of feel its my duty to do whats best for it... perhaps I need therapy!

 

The reason I suggested only cutting out the dead parts was that I'm thinking time is moving on, another couple of months and growth will stop.

Back in April a good cut right down would be good, but at this stage the plant has put some energy into producing new growth which needs time to harden up, should we get yet another real cold winter.

I just think that cutting out what has already regrown this year is weakening the plant even more, bearing in mind its actually an evergreen.

 

Again, I have to agree with Pete. Prior to mid May I was cutting down to ground level all winter-damaged Phormiums. Now, it is just a tidy up.

 

Cheers again Pete.. I shall stick with the suggestion and remove the dead only.