Color Guard Yucca
Yucca filamentosa 'Color Guard'
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Specifications
| Plant Characteristics | Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Evergreen, Flowering, Fragrant, Deer-resistant, Salt Tolerant, Heat Tolerant, Drought resistant, Container Friendly, Non-invasive |
|---|---|
| Hardiness Zone | 4a to 10b |
| Sunlight | Full sun, Partial shade |
| Height | |
| Width | |
| Watering Needs | Low |
| Preferred Soil | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Growth Habit | Compact, Upright |
| Blooms In | Summer |
| Flower Color | White |
| Foliage Color | Green, Variegated |
| Fragrant | Yes |
| Pet Safety | Toxic to pets, Toxic to horses |
| Suitable Space | Outdoors, Container, Indoors |
| Plant Name | Yucca |
| Botanical Name | |
| Species | |
| Cultivar | |
| Class | Asparagales |
| Does Not Ship To | AK, HI, ID, MT, PR |
Description
Color Guard Yucca: Shop Now at Nature Hills
Say hello to a living spotlight for sun-soaked gardens. The bold Color Guard Yucca (Yucca filamentosa Color Guard) shines bright with its evergreen, sword-shaped foliage, yellow and green variegation, and eye-catching architectural form. This hardy perennial shrub delivers big style with creamy white bell flowers, drought tolerance, and heat-loving durability that makes Xeriscaping simple. Bloom time comes mid-summer when its tall flower spike rises above its colorful rosette.
Many homeowners are interested in Xeriscape to protect our precious water resources and to save money. Rock gardens, native plants can make that goal easy to achieve. One of the most ornamental varieties of the striking Yucca family is the Color Guard Yucca (Yucca filamentosa 'Color Guard').
Be prepared to answer questions from curious passersby, especially in cold winter areas:
“Is that a cactus?”
“Can we really grow this here?”
“What is that cool plant?”
This standout selection of the classic Adam's Needle Yucca grows with a naturally sculptural, upright, rounded habit. Its foliage is evergreen, edged by thin curling filaments, and turns a rosy red blush during cold weather. Thick, fleshy roots store water like a desert treasure chest, while fibrous roots dig deep for extra resilience.
A North American native from the Agave family, this dependable shrub has long been valued in dry landscapes and rugged climates. Its symbolism of strength and endurance certainly fits. With year-round color, a cactus-like vibe, and an easy-care nature, it is one of the most decorative Yucca varieties you can grow.
Key Features
- Evergreen, sword-shaped, variegated foliage
- Bold yellow center stripe with green margins
- Cold-hardy to zone 4 and heat-tolerant in hot climates
- Mid-summer flower stalk with creamy white bell flowers
- Top-tier Xeriscape plant for dry gardens
- Deer-resistant and rabbit-resistant
- Thrives in sunny containers and rock gardens
- Low maintenance and extremely drought-tolerant
- Clumping habit with dramatic rosette form
Landscaping Uses
Use Color Guard Yucca as a year-round evergreen highlight anywhere you want structure, color, and personality. Mature size stays manageable, making it easy to work into foundation plantings, dry borders, and entryway designs.
- Specimen plant in Xeriscape and rock gardens
- Striking accent for hot, dry berms or slopes
- Container thriller for patios and porches
- Fun statement plant flanking a front door
- Mixed into shrub borders for contrast with shrubs or Ornamental Grasses
- Mass planted for bold texture on rocky outcrops
- Added to desert-style gardens with Octopus Agave or other Yucca varieties
Care & Maintenance
Hardy in USDA zones 4 to 10, this is an evergreen shrub with a tough, desert-inspired constitution. It thrives in bright sun, handles heat, tolerates humidity, and stands up to cold winters. As a Xeriscape favorite, this plant earns its reputation for toughness.
This is a broadleaf evergreen shrub and a wonderful choice for low-growing, spreading compositions. See more great options here: low-growing flowering plants.
Read in-depth about Yucca care and landscaping uses here.
- Planting time: Spring or fall
- Sun requirements: Full sun is best, though part shade is tolerated
- Soil requirements: Well-drained soil of any type, including sandy, rocky, or poor soils; avoid soggy conditions
- Moisture needs: Low once established; water regularly during the first year, and use the Finger Test video to check moisture levels.
- Mulch: Apply a 3 to 4 inch layer of Arborist mulch to conserve moisture and protect roots why to mulch
- Fertilization: Not typically needed; a light layer of compost in spring is plenty
- Pruning: Remove damaged leaves by cutting them into the crown; cut spent flower stalks at the base; rejuvenate by cutting back old foliage when needed
- Division: Rarely necessary, but clumps may be divided in spring
- Special perks: Deer-resistant and rabbit-resistant, drought-tolerant, handles high heat, tolerant of coastal humidity, allergy friendly, thrives in poor soils
- Root booster: Don’t forget to order your Nature Hills Root Booster for lifelong mycorrhizal support
Brighten The Landscape With Color Guard
Bring home this dramatic living sculpture and enjoy evergreen color, bold variegation, and carefree performance. Color Guard Yucca offers rugged beauty for sunny gardens, rock landscapes, and any spot Ma Nature makes hot and dry. Order yours today from naturehills.com and enjoy year-round style.
Planting & Care
Delivery and Shipping
Shipping Rates
Ships in 3-5 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected
| Under $50 | $9.99 |
| $50 - $99.99 | $14.99 |
| $100 - $149.99 | $16.99 |
| $150 - $198.99 | $24.99 |
| $199+ | FREE |
✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee
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It’s happy plant with zero complaints 😊
Color Guard is a hard plant to make unhappy, and it sounds like yours is right at home. Thanks for sharing, Monica. If it ever decides to reward you with that tall flower spike in summer, it is quite a sight.
Plants were in excellent condition. Great packaging, lots of care. How these plants will do in my area is a wait and see. I hope after the winter I can give a likewise happy update.
Healthy roots and solid packaging make all the difference when a plant is traveling across the country, so it's great to hear yours arrived in good shape. Color Guard is quite cold-hardy for a Yucca, but a little patience through that first winter is always the right call while it settles in. We'd love to hear how it comes through the season, Elisabeth. Fingers crossed for a great spring update!
This was up-plnted just before sale. Bought a lot of soil not filled with roots.
My color guard yucca is so different than other plants in my garden, The colors and the leaf shape are so unique.
Hi Luci,
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your Color Guard Yucca! We're thrilled to hear how its unique colors and bold leaf shape are standing out beautifully in your garden. This plant’s striking variegation and architectural form really do make it a fantastic choice for adding texture and interest to any landscape.
If you ever want tips on maximizing its vibrancy or ensuring it thrives season after season, feel free to reach out—we’re always happy to help with care advice or any other questions you might have.
Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team
My color guard yucca is so different than other plants in my garden, The colors and the leaf shape are so unique.
Hi Luci,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your Color Guard Yucca! It’s wonderful to hear how much it stands out in your garden—the vibrant foliage and distinctive leaf shape truly make it a captivating focal point. This striking uniqueness is part of what makes the Color Guard Yucca such a beloved plant among gardening enthusiasts.
If you’d ever like tips on maintaining its brilliant color contrast or guidance on optimal lighting and watering, feel free to reach out. These plants thrive best in bright light and well-drained soil, which helps keep their colors vibrant and leaves healthy.
Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts
I think the color guard yucca could grow just about in any soil. Mine grew fast in some real poor soil.
Hi Phil,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Color Guard Yucca! We're thrilled to hear that your plant is thriving and growing rapidly, even in challenging soil conditions. This variety is indeed known for its hardiness and adaptability, making it a great choice for various landscapes.
To keep your yucca healthy and vibrant, you might consider occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season and ensuring it gets plenty of sunlight. If you ever notice any yellowing leaves, it could mean that drainage needs improving, since yuccas prefer well-drained soil.
We appreciate you taking the time to provide such valuable insight, and we’re always here if you have more questions or plant stories to share with us.
Growing with you,
Nature Hills Nursery – Your Trusted Plant Specialists
I think the color guard yucca could grow just about in any soil. Mine grew fast in some real poor soil.
Hi Phil,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Color Guard Yucca! We're delighted to hear how well it’s grown for you, even in poor soil conditions. These resilient plants really do have a knack for thriving in a variety of environments, making them a fantastic choice for gardeners seeking hardy, adaptable greenery.
If you ever want to encourage even stronger growth or blooms, consider supplementing the soil with a balanced slow-release fertilizer and occasional deep watering, especially during dry spells. And given how fast yours is growing, you might also enjoy exploring some companion plants that pair well with yuccas—succulents and xeriscape-friendly species often make for beautiful, low-maintenance combinations.
Thanks again for your kind feedback. We're glad your yucca is doing so well and hope it continues to brighten your landscape for seasons to come!
Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team
