diff --git a/lib/spack/spack/compilers/xl.py b/lib/spack/spack/compilers/xl.py
index c87f28e78da..9f23e4e9546 100644
--- a/lib/spack/spack/compilers/xl.py
+++ b/lib/spack/spack/compilers/xl.py
@@ -72,6 +72,14 @@ def c11_flag(self):
             return "-qlanglvl=extc1x"
         raise UnsupportedCompilerFlag(self, "the C11 standard", "c11_flag", "< 12.1")
 
+    @property
+    def cxx14_flag(self):
+        # .real_version does not have the "y.z" component of "w.x.y.z", which
+        # is required to distinguish whether support is available
+        if self.version >= ver("16.1.1.8"):
+            return "-std=c++14"
+        raise UnsupportedCompilerFlag(self, "the C++14 standard", "cxx14_flag", "< 16.1.1.8")
+
     @property
     def cc_pic_flag(self):
         return "-qpic"