Yucca Color Guard

2-3 Litre Pot

• RHS Award of Garden Merit
• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Well drained
• Growth rate: Slow
• Flowering period: July – August
• Hardiness: H5
• Eventual height: 1.5 – 2.5m
• Eventual spread: 1 – 1.5m

Yucca Color Guard, also known as ‘Variegated Needle Palm’ and holder of the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit,  is a stunning ornamental, broad leaf, evergreen shrub that is highly prized for its dramatic variegated foliage. It is a member of the Asparagaceae family and is native to the southeastern United States.

This variety features a dense rosette of sword-like leaves that are green in the centre and edged with golden-yellow margins. The leaves are stiff, narrow, and pointed, and can grow up to 1 metre long and 7cm wide. The plant produces a tall, branching flower stalk bearing bell-shaped creamy white flowers in the Summer.

It is a slow growing plant that typically reaches a height of 2.5 metres and a spread of 1.5 metres. It forms a clump of rosettes, with new rosettes emerging from the base of the plant.  The use of a gravel mulch accentuates it’s architectural foliage, a useful addition to the mediterranean themed garden, providing year round interest and colour.

In summary, Yucca Color Guard is a stunning and versatile perennial plant that is highly prized for its variegated foliage. It is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in hot and dry conditions and can be used in a variety of landscape settings.

How to care for your Yucca Color Guard

• Sunlight: Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Plant it in a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily.
• Soil: Prefers well-draining soil that is sandy or rocky. Amend the soil with compost or sand to improve drainage if necessary.
• Watering: It is drought-tolerant and does not require regular watering once established. Water deeply once a week during dry periods, and avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
• Fertilisation: Does not require regular fertilisation, although applying a balanced fertiliser in the Spring can help promote growth and blooming.
• Pruning: Remove any dead or damaged leaves as needed to maintain the plant’s appearance. Be careful when handling the plant, as the leaves are sharp and can cause injury.
• Winter Care: It is hardy and can withstand cold temperatures. However, in colder regions, it may benefit from Winter protection, such as covering the plant with a frost blanket or mulch.

By following these care tips, you can help ensure that your Yucca Color Guard remains healthy and vibrant for years to come.