Bright Edge Adam's Needle

Bright Edge Adam's Needle (Yucca filamentosa 'Bright Edge') is a compact, cold hardy yucca that forms a rosette of slender, sword-shaped blue-green leaves edged in gold. It reaches about 1m tall and 1.5m wide, and on mature plants a tall spike of cream bells rises above the foliage. It gives a tropical, architectural look to gardens that see frost as well as those that do not.

Why you'll love it

• Gold edged foliage. Every blue-green leaf is trimmed in gold, so the rosette stays bright and sculptural even when it is not in flower.
• Cold hardy for a tropical look. It brings bold, spiky foliage to cooler gardens and tolerates light frost without fuss.
• Dramatic flower spikes. Mature plants send up a tall spike of cream bells that rises well above the leaves.
• Neat and compact. At about 1m by 1.5m it holds a tidy shape and does not take over a bed.
• Made for pots and focal points. It suits large containers, poolside planting and feature spots in a border.

Where it works best

Feature planting. Use a single rosette as an accent in a border, or group three plants about 1.5m apart for a bolder statement.

Large pots. Grow it in a large container of free draining mix in full sun. Indoors it needs the brightest spot you have.

Poolside and tropical gardens. The bold foliage fits tropical and resort style planting. The leaf tips are pointed, so keep it back from pool edges and paths where people walk barefoot.

Gardens with pets and children. Yucca is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed, and the pointed leaf tips can prick. Plant it where pets and children do not play, or choose a pet friendly feature plant instead.

Growing Bright Edge Adam's Needle in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun. It tolerates light frost, and in districts with long, hard frosts protect young plants with a frost cover in their first winters. It also grows well in warm and humid subtropical and tropical gardens.

Soil. Well drained soil is the key. On heavy clay, plant on a raised mound or mix coarse sand through the bed, because yucca rots in wet ground.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until the plant is established, usually around 12 weeks. After that it manages dry spells with an occasional deep soak. Apply a liquid fertiliser regularly through the warmer months.

Pruning. Little is needed. Remove old, brown lower leaves with secateurs, and cut the flower stalk off at the base once it has finished.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Bright Edge as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Expect a small rosette on arrival. Yucca grows at a steady rather than fast pace, so it takes a few seasons to build its full presence, and the flower spike appears only on mature plants.

Tube stock is supplied by our grower and is sometimes unavailable. When the tube is sold out, the notify button on this page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Yucca care guide for indoors and out
• Browse the full yucca range
• Plants for poolside gardens
• More architectural plants for designer gardens

Common questions

Is it safe for dogs and cats?

No. Yucca is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed or eaten, so plant it where pets cannot reach it. The leaf tips are also sharp.

Will it cope with frost?

Yes, it is cold hardy and tolerates light frost. In districts with extended hard frosts, give young plants some protection while they establish.

When does it flower?

Only mature plants flower, sending up a tall spike of cream bells. A young plant from tube stock will build its rosette first, which takes a few seasons.