Golden Sword Yucca Plant Combo with Late Summer Bloomers

This is a drought tolerant, easy-care plant combo recipe for full sun. The strappy, golden, variegated foliage of Yucca 'Golden Sword' provides structure and is handsome year-round, but this planting combination really shines from mid to late summer when in bloom. Dark blue puffs adorn Bluebeard (Caryopteris x clandonensis 'Dark Knight', USDA 6 to 9) and are complemented by the vibrant orange blooms of the California fuchsia (Zauschneria septentrionalis 'Select Mattel', USDA 7 to 11). This trio will perform best in well-draining soil and takes full baking sun in stride; the hotter, the better. The bluebeard is best if cut back to about 8 to 12 inches in late winter to encourage vigorous new growth which will bloom in late summer. The orange tubular flowers of the California fuchsia are a veritable hummingbird magnet and the bluebeard is a favorite of bees, so this scheme is abuzz with summertime garden activity!

Growing Conditions

Zone: 7, 8, 9
Exposure: Afternoon Sun, Full Sun, Reflected Heat
Water Needs: Drought-tolerant, Low

Design Considerations

Style: Mediterranean, Waterwise
Features: Varied Foliage, Texture, and Form, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrance, Attracts Pollinator, Wildlife Friendly
Focus: Hellstrip / Parking Strip, Mixed Border, Saving Water, Pleasing Seasonal Flow
Seasons of Interest: Summer, Fall

Care and Maintenance


Maintenance Level: low



Plants In this Combo