Species
Yucca filamentosaAdam's Needle1 other cultivar
The Story
Plant Bio
Yucca filamentosa, commonly known as Adam's needle, is a virtually stemless evergreen shrub noted for its basal rosette of rigid, sword-shaped, spine-tipped leaves and a tall flowering stalk.
The Variegata cultivar features leaves with beautiful creamy yellow margins, making it a standout in any garden.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
36 inches
Width
36 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Water
Low
Humidity
Low
Lifespan
Decades
Native To
South and Central U.S.
Toxicity
Toxic to pets if ingested
Bloom period
Early summer – Early fall
In flower about 4 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or cuttings into well-draining soil in spring.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain moisture for 2-3 weeks.
- Water deeply once every 2-3 weeks during first year.
- Provide full sun exposure for optimal growth.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer.
- Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot, especially in rainy climates.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry between watering 🌱
- Prune dead or damaged leaves in early spring ❌
- Apply fertilizer during active growing season for healthy growth
- Mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature
Don't
- Overwater which can cause root rot ❌
- Ignore pest infestations or disease symptoms ❌
- Plant in heavy clay soil without amendment ❌
- Expose to full sun in extremely hot climates without shade
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
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
Variegated Adam's Needle questions
What zones can Variegated Adam's Needle grow in?
Variegated 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 Variegated Adam's Needle deer resistant?
Yes — Variegated Adam's Needle is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Variegated Adam's Needle bloom?
Variegated Adam's Needle typically blooms in early summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Variegated Adam's Needle need full sun?
Variegated Adam's Needle does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Variegated Adam's Needle drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Variegated 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
Adam's Needle
Yucca filamentosa
Color Guard Yucca
Yucca flaccida 'Color Guard'
Weak-leaf Yucca
Yucca flaccida 'Hairy'
Excalibur Yucca
Yucca filamentosa 'Excalibur'
Beaked Yucca 'Sapphire Skies'
Yucca rostrata 'Sapphire Skies'
Gold Heart Yucca
Yucca flaccida 'Gold Heart'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Grow Variegated 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.