This variety of Yucca, 'Bright Star', is an evergreen perennial with striking yellow-green foliage with sharp tips. It produces rosettes that grow about 1-2 feet tall and about 5 feet wide and develops a short, trunk-like base over time. 'Bright Star' is a heat loving plant and is drought tolerant, after establishment. They bloom throughout the summer with fragrant, white, bell-shaped flowers.
How to care for Bright Star Yucca
Light. Full sun. Like its parent species, it tolerates some shade but blooms less.
Water. Water sparingly, if at all, once established. It is highly drought tolerant.
Soil and feeding. Plant in well-drained sandy soil; it also takes alkaline soil. Good drainage prevents root rot.
Size. Grows to about 2 ft tall and slowly forms clumps.
Pruning. Snip off the sharp needle tips with shears where people brush past.
Problems to watch. Scale and yucca moth larvae can attack; spider mites and borers go after stressed plants. Leaf spot appears where air circulation is poor.
Good to know. The species is native to Florida's coast and has high salt tolerance, which suits seaside yards.
Sources: UF/IFAS EDIS: Yucca gloriosa Spanish Dagger, Moundlily Yucca (FP616) · NC State Extension Plant Toolbox: Yucca gloriosa var. tristis
