It looks so sure of itself, with those upright, perfectly formed, slightly twisted and ever-so-slightly hairy green and ivory leaves that it sometimes seems a shame to plant Yucca Denby's Dream (also known as Yucca gloriosa ‘Variegata’) in the company of anything else. Which is why some folk choose to plant a big group of it, or to put it in a handsome container which makes it more interesting and bolder than ever. In addition to its attractiveness, it’s also a good choice for growing in a pot because of its considerable drought tolerance.

When it comes to growing with other plants, Yucca Denby's Dream’ is a stunner when surrounded by the shiny black foliage of the dwarf, clumping grass Ophiopogon ‘Black Dragon’. On a bank, this Yucca is superb because it needs so little attention and if surrounded by low, ground covering plants such as beautiful blue Convolvulus ‘Blue Lake’ (don’t be put off by the name - this is definitely not a weedy convolvulus!) or some of the new Gazanias such as ‘Montezuma’ or ‘Sunset Jane’, a pleasing combination of shape, texture and colour can be created. Another idea for planting is with the silvery leafed, white flowered, low growing and bushy Convolvulus cneorum. The best effect is when a group of three or more of the Yucca is planted - remember it costs no more to buy three of the one variety than to buy three different plants. Grouping plants of one variety together is one of the tricks of the trade employed by landscapers which makes their work seem so bold at times.

Yucca gloriosa ‘Variegata’ is also superb as a contrast plant in the foreground of a closely clipped hedge. Pittosporums are good as hedges and the new, small leafed Pittosporum ‘Ivory Pillar’ would make a stunning backdrop for a group of Denby's Dream.