Adam's needle (Yucca filamentosa ‘Color Guard’) YUK-ah fil-ah-men-TOE-sah Genus:  Yucca

This dramatic architectural plant is one of the most beautiful variegated yuccas on the market. Its sword-shaped leaves bear bold central stripes of bright canary-yellow against a rich celadon edge. In cool weather, margins are tinged pink, and the entire yellow stripe turns rose-colored on many of the leaves, lasting through early spring. Plants grow to 2 feet wide and nearly as tall. Branched clusters of nodding, creamy-white bells open in mid-summer on stout stems that reach 6 feet tall.

Care: 

Provide rich, evenly moist soil in full sun to part shade for best growth. However, plants are widely adaptable to different light, soil, and moisture conditions.

Propagation: 

Remove rooted suckers in spring. Take root cuttings in winter.

Problems: 

Cane borers, scale insects, and fungal leaf spots.

Overview

Height 1 ft. to 3 ft. Growth Habit Clumps Growth Pace Slow Grower Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Dry to Medium Characteristics Native, Showy Flowers, Showy Foliage Bloom Time Early Summer, Late Summer, Summer Flower Color White Foliage Color Colorful/Burgundy Foliage Uses Beds and Borders, Container, Specimen Plant/Focal Point Style Desert Garden Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Tolerance Drought Tolerant Type Shrubs