The Story
Plant Bio
Yucca flaccida, commonly known as the Strongstick Yucca, is a perennial shrub with rosettes of stiff, sword-shaped leaves that have a bluish-green hue, producing tall flower spikes with creamy white bell-shaped flowers.
The 'Golden Sword' cultivar is distinguished by its striking sword-like leaves with a broad, central, golden-yellow stripe and green margins, adding vibrant color and architectural interest.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
30 inches
Width
30 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Water
Low
Humidity
Low
Lifespan
Decades
Native To
Southeastern United States
Toxicity
Toxic to pets if ingested
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or division material into well-draining soil
- Water thoroughly after planting, then allow soil to dry
- Place in full sun for optimal growth
- Mulch lightly to conserve moisture
- Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced fertilizer
- Protect from frost in colder zones with covering
Pro Tip
Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water sparingly during dormancy 🌱
- Prune dead or damaged leaves in early spring
- Use well-draining soil to prevent moisture buildup
Don't
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
- Don’t fertilize excessively, as it can cause weak growth
- Keep in shaded areas during intense heat
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| 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
Golden Sword Yucca questions
What zones can Golden Sword Yucca grow in?
Golden Sword 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 Golden Sword Yucca deer resistant?
Yes — Golden Sword Yucca is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Golden Sword Yucca bloom?
Golden Sword Yucca typically blooms in early to mid-summer through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Golden Sword Yucca need full sun?
Golden Sword Yucca does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Golden Sword Yucca drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Golden Sword Yucca 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'
Variegated Adam's Needle
Yucca filamentosa 'Variegata'
Beaked Yucca 'Sapphire Skies'
Yucca rostrata 'Sapphire Skies'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Grow Golden Sword 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.