perennialN. America Native

Bright Star Yucca

Yucca gloriosa 'Walbristar'

The Story

Plant Bio

Yucca x gloriosa 'Walbristar' is a hardy, evergreen shrub with rosettes of sword-shaped, leathery leaves and tall spikes of bell-shaped, creamy-white flowers that attract pollinators.

This cultivar, also known as Bright Star, is distinguished by its compact habit and striking foliage; leaves have a broad, central, creamy-yellow stripe on a blue-green background. The foliage takes on a pinkish tinge in cold weather.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesIts striking rosette form and spiky silhouette add architectural interest year-round.
Practical UsesDrought-tolerant and low-maintenance, perfect for water-wise gardens.
Ecological BenefitsProvides habitat for native pollinators and beneficial insects.
SpeciesYucca gloriosaSpanish Dagger

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

30 inches

Width

30 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Dry

Lifespan

Decades

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Mildly toxic to pets if ingested.

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
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In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Choose a sunny, well-drained location for planting.
  2. Tuck young plants into soil, ensuring roots are covered.
  3. Water thoroughly after planting and keep soil dry between waterings.
  4. Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  5. Fertilize lightly in early spring with cactus mix or low-nitrogen fertilizer.
  6. Mist or water during prolonged droughts to prevent stress.

Pro Tip

Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water sparingly during winter ❌
  • Prune dead leaves in early spring 🌱
  • Apply cactus fertilizer annually

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering, especially in winter ❌
  • Don’t use heavy soil that retains moisture ❌
  • Don’t disturb roots unnecessarily

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Mulch
Plant
Propagate
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Sculptural focal point in xeriscapesVanilla-scented borderArchitectural accent in drought-tolerant gardens

Companion Plants

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bright Star Yucca questions

What zones can Bright Star Yucca grow in?

Bright Star Yucca is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Bright Star Yucca deer resistant?

Yes — Bright Star Yucca is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Bright Star Yucca bloom?

Bright Star Yucca 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 Bright Star Yucca need full sun?

Bright Star Yucca does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Bright Star Yucca drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Bright Star Yucca handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Bright Star Yucca 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.