Yucca filamentosa Bright Edge

Yucca filamentosa 'Bright Edge' is yet another very bright variety of filamentous Yucca, with original and attractive variegated foliage all year round. Although hardy, it has a very exotic appearance, developing a basal rosette of large succulent green leaves entirely margined with yellow and bordered by whitish filaments, less sharp than those of other Yucca species. Its flowering, usually in summer, reaches over 2m (6 in 7ft), in the form of a tall spike bearing large ivory-white bells. It will be perfect in a rockery, on a slope, or in a pot on the terrace, across a wide climatic range.

The filamentous Yucca is a plant of the Agave family originating from the northeast (Virginia) and southeast of the United States, spreading westward to Louisiana. Generally without a trunk, it is a botanical species forming several stems that bear rosettes of long and narrow leaves, tapering at their ends. Its growth, quite slow at first, reaches a cruising speed of 20 to 30cm (7.9 - 11.8in) per year. The 'Bright Edge' variety develops rosettes of about 1.5m (5ft) in height, and variegated leaves bordered by the characteristic filaments of the species. Each rosette has about sixty leaves, 80 to 90cm (31.5 - 35.4in) long, rough, quite flexible, but ending in a small sharp spine. Its floral stems appear in early summer, sometimes later or earlier depending on the climate, on subjects several years old. The flowers, resembling tulips in size and shape, are cream-white in colour and appear on a green and sturdy floral stem that branches out into a paniculate structure that can reach 3m (10ft) under optimal conditions. They are oriented downwards. The rosette dies after flowering, giving rise to the birth of other small juvenile rosettes at the base of the plant.

Yucca filamentosa 'Bright Edge', hardy beyond -15°C if provided with winter protection and planted in well-drained soil, is an easy-to-care-for exotic plant. It will thrive in any well-drained soil, even dry and poor or in arid conditions. It is advisable to keep it away from walkways and young children due to its sharp leaves. This plant is ideal for structuring a large rockery, or for brilliantly occupying the center of an exotic flowerbed. It can be planted alone or associated with Puya caerulea on an arid slope, Agave americana, prickly pears, Beschorneria, quite hardy cactus-candles (Cleistocactus strausii, Cylindropuntia imbricata), and the equally frugal Grevillea. It can also be placed in a very large pot on the terrace, right next to a Mimosa or a Callistemon, choosing a sheltered spot in full sun with care.

The flower petals are edible; they can be served as a garnish or prepared as fritters. The floral spike, before the flowers appear, can also be cooked and consumed, similar to asparagus.