Agave vs. Yucca: What’s the Difference?

In North Texas, agaves and yuccas are standout choices for landscapes that need to handle heat, drought, and poor soil—with style. While they’re often grouped together, these two plant types each bring something unique to the garden.

Agaves are bold and architectural, with thick, smooth, spiky leaves arranged in dramatic rosettes. They bloom once in their lifetime and are perfect for containers, focal points, or dry garden beds with excellent drainage.

Yuccas are hardy, upright perennials with tough, sword-like leaves. Many varieties bloom annually with tall spikes of creamy white flowers. Some, like the Beaked Yucca, even develop trunks over time. But not all yucca blooms are white—varieties like the Stoplight Yucca dazzle with bold red flowers that really stand out in the landscape.

So which should you plant? Honestly—both. Each brings something special, but together, they create unbeatable texture, height, and visual drama that lasts through even the toughest Texas seasons.

Pro tip: Be sure your planting area has excellent drainage, full sun, and a well-draining soil blend like Covington’s Cactus & Agave Mix to give your plants the best start.

Stop by and explore our full selection—we’ll help you choose the perfect plant for your space.