Yucca flaccida Golden Sword

Yucca flaccida Golden Sword is a variety that is both very hardy and very ornamental due to its beautiful yellow foliage edged with blue-green. It stands out from afar in flower beds, especially in winter in a landscape devoid of other plants, despite its relatively modest size. It develops a basal rosette of large variegated leaves bordered with whitish filaments, whose warlike appearance excels in summer with the magic of its magnificent flowers, in the form of a tall stem bearing large ivory-white bells. It will not disappoint, even if it does not appreciate excessive humidity in spring, which can damage its beautiful foliage. Plant it in a rock garden, on a slope, or in a pot on the terrace!

Yucca flaccida is a plant of the agave family. This North American botanical species is native to the western part of North Carolina and extends to the north of Alabama in the Appalachians. It is distinguished from the filamentosa species mainly by its soft and smooth leaves on both sides. Generally lacking a trunk, this yucca forms several stems that bear rosettes of long and narrow leaves, tapering at their ends. Its growth is initially slow but once it hits its top speed will reach 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in) per year.

The Golden Sword variety develops rosettes of approximately 70 cm (28 in) in height, and very bright yellow leaves edged with blue-green and bordered by the characteristic filaments of the species. Each rosette has about sixty smooth and quite flexible leaves, measuring 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24 in) in length and ending in a small sharp spine. The floral stems appear in early summer, sometimes later or earlier depending on the climate, on specimens that are several years old. The flowers, resembling tulips in size and shape, are creamy white and appear on a green and robust floral stem that branches into a panicle. They are oriented downwards. The rosette dies after flowering, giving rise to the emergence of other small juvenile rosettes at the base of the plant.

Very hardy, with a strong rhizome, Yucca flaccida Golden Sword is among the easiest varieties to grow. It will thrive in any well-drained soil, even dry and poor soil or in an arid situation. It should be kept away from pathways and young children due to its pointed leaves which can be dangerous. This plant is ideal for structuring a large rock garden, or for brilliantly occupying the centre of an exotic flower bed. It can be planted alone or paired with Puya caerulea on an arid slope, Agave americana, the prickly pear cactus, hardy candelabra cacti (Cleistocactus strausii, Cylindropuntia imbricata), and hardy aloes. It can also be placed in a very large pot on the terrace, right next to a banana tree or Tetrapanax, choosing a sheltered spot in full sun.

The flower petals are edible: they can be served as a garnish or prepared as fritters. The floral stem, before the flowers appear, can also be cooked and consumed like asparagus.