cactusjordi, Wow! Exactly how tall are the Aloe dichotomas--I'm having trouble with the scale. I have some VERY young seedlings (planted 16 days ago--just a seed leaf about 1 inch tall). Where do you live in California? How long does it take to reach the 3-4 leaf stage when you planted them in the ground? I bought the seeds from J.L. Hudson for $2.00, the pack had about 50 seeds. I highly recommend that company. No minimum order, shipping for small orders is $1.50. The first signs of germination were after only 4 days. Six of the first 10 germinated. Coincidentally, I just planted 10 more earlier tonight. These are from a winter rain area, so fall is the time to plant (according to Silverhill Seeds). Here is a link that might be useful: J.L. Hudson, Seedsman

I really like recurvifolia. They do really well here. Some of the ones I saw were severly pruned down to only a few leaves in november and they made it through the winter just fine and are growing again (despite the fact that they really should not have healthy leaves cut off in late fall). They usually bloom 2 times a year here, once in may or june (arounf that time) and then they bloom again in the fall espeically in warm years. One probelm I have noticed is if the trunk is curving a lot it gets very top heavy and if a lot of weight it put on it (like a big snow storm), it will break the trunk. They quickly make babies to fill it back up though. They get pretty tall in a few years and are pretty fast growing considering they are yuccas. The largest ones in the area are pretty tall and most are around 4 feet tall. Another one I really like is Yucca faxoniana. Much rarer to find by me, but the ones I do see look very healthy. They are rated for a zone 8 but I have not seen them have any problems even in colder winters here (some have seen around 5F). Not sure if it can handle a zone 6, and its also pretty slow growing, but a nice looking plant that slowly gets to a pretty nice size. Yucca rostratas are nice because you can get large ones (expensive, but easily found). Not very fast growing, but they care cold tolerant and pretty tall (Ive seen a few a little over 10 feet in my area). You definitely do not need a dry climate for yuccas to thrive as long as the soil around doesnt stay moist. Most are very slow growing but with good care they speed up a lot. Good luck!

Our climates aren't that different. I have about 400 washies at my tree farm in 3 gallon containers which I soak every other day, but I have to provide them with at least a couple hours of mid-day shade or they start looking pretty bad. They are about the same size as yours. Is there any way you could provide them with some shade in the afternoon until they get a little more mature? The mulch will help keep your soil from drying out too much and maybe try slow watering for a little longer or tophers idea will work good too. I can also give you a link for trickle or drip systems if you think you might want to try that?The timers I use are inexpensive and just put a control valve to suit your volume you need to keep them moist.The wall will be a big benefit for you in the winter months. I will give you a couple of these that are grown in the heat with lots of sun(filibusta and filiferas) if you'll handle the shipping if those don't make it. Just email me and we can go from there. I have robustas, but very small seedlings. palmerosatreefarm@sbcglobal.net

Hi zone denial. The plant in the background is Cordyline australis, as will as some large Trachycarpus, and a very, very tall Yucca aloifolia in the background to the left, with a weeping flower stalk. I am starting to think that yucca may be Yucca filifera, but who knows. Anyway, glad you liked the pics. I always trim each point individualy as they emerge from the center of the Agaves, or Yucca's like Aloifolia for example. Take care. -Brian