Yucca filamentosa ‘Golden Sword’ (Adam's needle, Bear grass, Weak-leaf yucca, Golden Sword soapwort)

Yucca filamentosa ‘Golden Sword’ Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner



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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Yucca filamentosa ‘Golden Sword’ YUK-ah fil-ah-men-TOE-sah Common Name: Adam's needle, Bear grass, Weak-leaf yucca, Golden Sword soapwort Genus: Yucca
This easy to grow evergreen yucca bears dramatic, sword-shaped yellow leaves with a dark green edge. Not as staunchly upright as some yuccas, its leaf tips sometimes droop with age. Its foliage color is best from fall to spring. Plants grow to nearly 2 feet in height and 3 feet in width. In summer, it produces a 6-foot-tall spike covered with nodding, fragrant, white bell-shaped flowers.
Noteworthy characteristics: Yuccas are native to dry places in North and Central America. They are grown mainly for their architectural foliage and bold flower spikes.
Care: Provide well-drained soil in full sun.
Propagation: Sow seed in spring at 55-64°F. (Flowers may require hand-pollination to set seed.) Remove rooted suckers in spring or take root cuttings in winter.
Problems: Cane borers, scale insects, fungal leaf spots.
Height 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Growth Habit Clumps
Growth Pace Slow Grower
Light Full Sun Only
Moisture Dry to Medium
Maintenance Low
Tolerance Deer Tolerant;Drought Tolerant
Characteristics Attracts Hummingbirds; Fragrant Flowers; Native; Self Seeds; Showy Flowers; Showy Foliage; Showy Seed Heads
Bloom Time Early Summer; Late Summer; Summer
Foliage Color Colorful/Burgundy Foliage
Flower Color White Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Container, Specimen Plant/ Focal Point
Style Desert Garden, Formal Garden, Rock Garden, Xeric Bed
Seasonal Interest Winter Interest, Spring Interest, Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Shrubs

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