Adam's Needle
Yucca filamentosa 'Excalibur'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Cactus Succulent
Height
24 inches
Width
36 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low
Humidity
Adaptable
Lifespan
Decades
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Mildly toxic to pets if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
A hardy perennial with tall spikes of white flowers and rigid, sword-like leaves. A compact, dwarf cultivar with a symmetrical rosette of stiff, silvery blue-green, sword-like leaves. Produces tall spikes of creamy white, bell-shaped flowers.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or pups into well-draining soil in spring.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity during root development.
- Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry between watering.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring for healthy growth.
- Prune dead or damaged leaves in late winter to early spring.
- Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Pro Tip
Use gritty, sandy soil to mimic native conditions for optimal growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot 🌱
- Provide full sun for vigorous growth
- Prune dead leaves to maintain appearance
Don't
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause fungal issues ❌
- Don’t plant in heavy clay soil without amendments
- Refrain from fertilizing in late fall
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Adam's Needle questions
What zones can Adam's Needle grow in?
Adam's Needle is hardy in USDA Zones 4–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Adam's Needle deer resistant?
Yes — Adam's Needle is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Adam's Needle bloom?
Adam's Needle typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Adam's Needle need full sun?
Adam's Needle does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Adam's Needle drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Adam's Needle handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Yucca to compare
Color Guard Yucca
Yucca flaccida 'Color Guard'
Weak-leaf Yucca
Yucca flaccida 'Hairy'
Variegated Adam's Needle
Yucca filamentosa 'Variegata'
Beaked Yucca 'Sapphire Skies'
Yucca rostrata 'Sapphire Skies'
Gold Heart Yucca
Yucca flaccida 'Gold Heart'
Wilder's Wonderful Yucca
Yucca flaccida 'Wilders Wonderful'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Grow Adam's Needle with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
