Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Monday - March 23, 2009
From: Calgary, AB
Region: Canada
Topic: Cacti and Succulents
Title: Can I have success planting Adams Needle in Calgary, Alberta? Maybe.
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
I live in Calgary, Alberta and am wondering if I could have success planting Adams Needle in this climate (lots of chinook winds in the winter with large fluctuations in temperatures).ANSWER:
Adam's Needle Yucca filamentosa (Adam's needle) is a hardy plant that is widely distributed in the U.S., extending north into Montana. It can be grown in USDA zones 4-9. A check of the Hardiness Zones map indicates that Calgary is in zone 3a. The average minimum temperature in zone 4 ranges from -34.4 °C to -28.9°c. The range in zone 3a is from -39.9°C to -37.3°C, so you are right on the edge in terms of temperature. The plant grows about 2-3 ft tall and 2 ft wide with a flowering stalk up to 6 ft tall. This could be a problem in strong winds.
Another Yucca, the Soapweed yucca Yucca glauca (soapweed yucca) is similar in growth habit to Adam's Needle and naturally occurs in Alberta. It can grow in zone 3.
This link takes you to a website with a discussion about growing these two Yuccas in Canada.
More Cacti and Succulents Questions
Bloom stalk not visibly connected to Century Plant from Johnson City, TX
July 31, 2013 - Can anyone tell my why my Century Plant is growing a bloom stalk a couple of feet away from my plant instead of up through the middle? Ive never seen one do that and it strikes me as being rather odd!
view the full question and answer
Plants to accompany cactus and agave
October 09, 2005 - What plants would look well with cactus and agave to soften the look of spikiness? Also, a homeowner in our association wants the association to plant a pyracantha at the corner of the street to preve...
view the full question and answer
Puncture wound from Blue Agave leaf.
October 19, 2015 - A blue agave leave went through my glove and into my hand. It's swelled up a bit and hurts. Is this just a passing thing.
view the full question and answer
Dealing with beetles feeding on cholla cactus
June 20, 2010 - Hi Mr. Smarty Pants,
I bought a Cylindropuntia imbricata from the Wildflower center and it was growing like crazy. I recently noticed a lot of beetles feeding on it. Some are black and some are gra...
view the full question and answer
Prickly pear doing poorly on Long Island NY
December 27, 2012 - First, thanks for your reply on 11-3-12, re.Can a prickly pear cutting from Harker Heights, TX find happiness in Long Island, NY. The plants were set before a southern window in the attic, temp. ra...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |