Yucca filamentosa ‘Color Guard’ is a bold, variegated yucca that brings strong structure and year round color to the landscape. Native to the southeastern United States through its parent species, it’s known for its striking combination of golden yellow centers and blue green leaf margins.

The leaves form a dense, low rosette with a slightly arching habit, and as the name suggests, fine white filaments curl along the edges, adding a bit of texture and detail up close. The bright center color becomes even more pronounced in cooler weather, often taking on warm, golden tones.

This is a great plant for creating contrast. It works well as a focal point, in mass plantings, or mixed with softer, lower growing plants that highlight its bold form.

In late spring to early summer, mature plants send up tall flower spikes that can reach several feet above the foliage, topped with creamy white, bell shaped flowers. The bloom is dramatic and can attract pollinators such as bees.

Yucca ‘Color Guard’ grows best in full sun and requires well drained soil. It is extremely drought tolerant once established and thrives in poor, sandy, or rocky soils. It’s also very cold hardy, making it one of the more adaptable yuccas.

It typically stays around 2 to 3 feet tall and wide at the base, with flower spikes extending much higher when in bloom. It is well suited for USDA zones 4 through 10 and is hardy down to well below freezing temperatures. The foliage is evergreen. 

This plant has some toxicity and may cause irritation or illness if ingested, so it is best to plant with care around pets and children.

When in bloom, the flowers can attract pollinators such as bees.

It is generally deer and rabbit resistant, as the tough foliage naturally discourages browsing.

Yucca filamentosa ‘Color Guard’ fits especially well into Mediterranean, xeriscape, and modern garden designs, where its bold variegation and strong form can be used to create contrast and structure.

With its bright coloring, durability, and low water needs, this is a great plant for adding year round interest to sunny, dry areas.