Yucca flaccida 'Color Guard'
cactus succulent RHS AwardN. America Native

Color Guard Yucca

Yucca flaccida 'Color Guard'

$14.95
Expertly Curated
Real-Time Pricing
Loved by Designers

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

Low

Lifespan

Many decades

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

Toxic to pets if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

'Color Guard' is a striking cultivar of Yucca flaccida known for its evergreen, sword-like leaves with a broad, bright yellow center stripe and green margins. This cultivar is particularly noted for its attractive leaf coloration, making it a popular choice for ornamental gardens.

Bloom Period:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesYucca flaccida 'Color Guard' offers striking variegated foliage that adds visual interest and texture to xeriscapes and modern gardens.
Practical UsesIts drought tolerance reduces water needs, making it an eco-friendly choice for water-wise landscaping.
Ecological BenefitsProvides habitat and nectar for native pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

In Stock$14.95
In Stock$16.99
<1 Gal Pot1+ Gal Pot
In Stock$18.40
<1 Gal Pot
In Stock$18.95

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck young plants into well-draining soil in a sunny spot.
  2. Mist cuttings lightly to encourage root growth over 6 weeks.
  3. Water sparingly during the first growing season to prevent rot.
  4. Fertilize with cactus or succulent fertilizer every 4-6 weeks in spring and summer.
  5. Prune dead or damaged leaves in early spring for healthy growth.
  6. Transplant in late spring if needed, ensuring roots are undisturbed.

Pro Tip

Use gritty, well-draining soil to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Provide full sun for optimal growth 🌞
  • Use well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging
  • Water sparingly during dormancy and when established
  • Apply cactus fertilizer during active growing season
  • Prune dead leaves to maintain appearance

Don't

  • Avoid overwatering, as Yucca flaccida dislikes soggy soil ❌
  • Don’t expose to prolonged shade, which hampers growth
  • Refrain from fertilizing in winter when plant is dormant
  • Don’t disturb roots during transplanting unless necessary
  • Avoid using heavy clay soil that retains moisture

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Divide
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Arid desert-themed garden with spiky texturesSculptural focal point in xeriscapesVertical accent in succulent beds

Companion Plants

Agave Sedum Echeveria Yucca filamentosa Aloe Vera

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Color Guard Yucca questions

What zones can Color Guard Yucca grow in?

Color Guard Yucca 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 Color Guard Yucca deer resistant?

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

When does Color Guard Yucca bloom?

Color Guard Yucca typically blooms in mid-summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Color Guard Yucca need full sun?

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

Is Color Guard Yucca drought tolerant?

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

Keep exploring

Grow Color Guard 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.

Download Sow on the App StoreGet Sow on Google Play