Description
Yucca filamentosa 'Color Guard', commonly known as Color Guard Yucca, is a striking perennial plant prized for its architectural form and variegated foliage. Here are some key features of the Color Guard Yucca:
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Appearance: Color Guard Yucca features a rosette of sword-shaped leaves that grow upright from a central stem. The leaves are long and narrow, typically reaching lengths of 2 to 3 feet. They are edged with curly threads and have a bold central stripe of golden-yellow, surrounded by green margins. This variegation gives the plant its distinctive appearance.
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Flowers: In early to mid-summer, Color Guard Yucca produces tall spikes of creamy white flowers held above the foliage. The flowers are bell-shaped and fragrant, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
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Size: Color Guard Yucca typically reaches a height and width of about 2 to 3 feet, though it can spread wider over time.
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Hardiness: Color Guard Yucca is hardy in USDA zones 4-10, making it adaptable to a wide range of climates.
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Sunlight: This yucca thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to maintain its compact form and vibrant foliage color.
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Soil: Color Guard Yucca prefers well-drained soil and is drought-tolerant once established. It is adaptable to various soil types, including sandy or rocky soils.
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Landscape Use: Color Guard Yucca is commonly used as a focal point in mixed borders, rock gardens, or desert-themed landscapes. It can also be planted in containers for a striking accent on patios or decks. Additionally, it is deer-resistant, making it a good choice for landscapes where deer may be a concern.
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Maintenance: Color Guard Yucca is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. It benefits from occasional watering during periods of drought, especially in the first growing season after planting. Remove spent flower spikes to encourage a tidy appearance. Pruning is generally not necessary, but dead or damaged leaves can be trimmed as needed.
Overall, Color Guard Yucca is prized for its dramatic foliage color, architectural form, and ease of care, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add texture and interest to their landscapes.
