1 / 3

Key characteristics

Family: Asparagaceae
Height: 2 to 3 feet
Width: 2 to 3 feet
Flower color: White
Foliage color: Yellow and green variegated leaves with a distinct sharp contrast of light and dark tones
Bloom time: Late spring to summer
Light: Full sun
Water: Drought-tolerant
Maintenance: Low, occasional pruning of dead foliage
Growing zone: USDA Zones 5 to 10
Wildlife: Attracts pollinators, including bees and hummingbirds

Shrubs

Yucca filamentosa 'Color Guard'

Color Guard Adam's Needle

Yucca filamentosa 'Color Guard' is an evergreen perennial known for its bold, variegated leaves. The variegation features vivid yellowish or creamy stripes down the center of the leaves, surrounded by dark green edges, giving it a bright, contrasting appearance. In late spring to early summer, it produces tall, upright spikes of white bell-shaped flowers that contrast beautifully against the plant's colorful leaves.

Native to the southeastern United States, Yucca filamentosa thrives in a range of environments and has become a popular ornamental plant for gardens and landscapes.

Light

Full sun

Water

Drought-tolerant

Bloom time

Late spring to summer

Find this plant

Companion plants

Phlox · Pittosporum · Hardy mums · Feather reed grass · Cranesbill · Butterfly bush

Design tip

Capitalize on ‘Color Guard’s’ strong geometry by repeating its spiky rosettes among lower, rounded plant forms. The yellow-centered leaves create year-round contrast and a clear visual rhythm, while tall white flower spikes temporarily shift the composition upward in early summer.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)