Adam's Needle Yucca
Adam's Needle Yucca
Adam's Needle Yucca brings southwestern architectural drama to Eden Prairie, Wayzata, and Minnetonka gardens — evergreen sword-shaped leaves topped each summer by 6-foot spikes of fragrant white bells.
About Adam's Needle Yucca
| Botanical Name | Yucca filamentosa |
| Mature Size | 2-3ft foliage × 6-8ft flower spike |
| Bloom / Foliage | Tall spikes of creamy white bell flowers in July; evergreen foliage |
| Sun Requirements | Varies by cultivar — most prefer full sun (6+ hrs). |
| Water Needs | Moderate. Drought-tolerant once established. |
| Soil | Tolerates Minnesota clay-loam. Most prefer well-drained soil. |
| Hardiness Zones | 4-8 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a). |
| Deer Resistance | Varies — most herbaceous perennials are moderately deer-resistant |
| Foliage | Herbaceous — dies back in fall, re-emerges in spring |
| Growth Rate | Moderate — reaches mature size in 1-2 growing seasons |
Why You'll Love Adam's Needle Yucca
Perennial borders
The backbone of any Minnesota perennial garden. Pair with ornamental grasses and shrubs for season-long interest.
Pollinator plantings
Native and adapted perennials are critical pollinator habitat — supports the Lawns to Legumes program goals.
Foundation accents
Mass-plant in groups of 3-5 in front of foundation shrubs for a layered look. Perennials provide the seasonal color shrubs can't.
Architectural sword-leaved native with dramatic flower spikes
Evergreen architectural form with the most dramatic summer flower spike of any perennial. That's why Adam's Needle Yucca has earned a spot in our Minnesota launch catalog — it's a perennial we're confident will thrive in your Twin Cities landscape.
Planting Adam's Needle Yucca in the Twin Cities
Best planting window: Spring (mid-April through early June) or early fall (late August through late September). Avoid planting during peak summer heat — Twin Cities heat waves can stress newly installed root balls.
Site selection: Varies by cultivar — most prefer full sun (6+ hrs). Choose a location with the mature size of 2-3ft foliage × 6-8ft flower spike in mind — give Adam's Needle Yucca room to fill out without crowding fences, sidewalks, or neighboring plants.
Soil prep: Tolerates Minnesota clay-loam. Most prefer well-drained soil. If your Twin Cities yard has heavy clay (common in Plymouth, Eden Prairie, and Wayzata), amend the planting hole with 25-30% compost to improve drainage. For sandy soils in parts of Anoka and Washington counties, mix in compost to improve water retention.
How to plant:
- Dig a hole 2× the width of the root ball and the same depth.
- Loosen the sides of the hole — slick clay walls block root expansion.
- Set Adam's Needle Yucca so the top of the root ball is 1-2" above grade.
- Backfill with native soil mixed 25% with compost. Tamp gently.
- Water deeply (5+ gallons) immediately after planting.
- Mulch 2-3" deep, keeping mulch 2" away from the stem.
Watering & Care
First year (establishment): Water deeply 1-2× per week from April through October. Adam's Needle Yucca needs consistent moisture to develop a strong root system for its first Minnesota winter. Check soil moisture 4-6" deep — water when the top 2-3" feels dry.
Established (year 2+): Moderate. Drought-tolerant once established. During typical Twin Cities summers, supplemental water during 2+ week dry spells is enough.
Winter prep: Water deeply in late October before ground freeze — this protects Adam's Needle Yucca through dry winter winds. Apply a fresh 2-3" layer of mulch in November to insulate the root zone through deep freezes.
Pruning: Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Adam's Needle Yucca hardy in Minnesota?
Yes. Adam's Needle Yucca is rated for zones 4-8 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a) — the Twin Cities metro is zone 4b–5a, well within its hardiness range. Evergreen architectural form with the most dramatic summer flower spike of any perennial.
How fast does Adam's Needle Yucca grow?
Moderate — reaches mature size in 1-2 growing seasons. Expect mature size (2-3ft foliage × 6-8ft flower spike) within 5-8 years depending on site conditions and care.
Will deer eat Adam's Needle Yucca?
Varies — most herbaceous perennials are moderately deer-resistant. In high-deer-pressure suburbs (Wayzata, Stillwater, Hudson), supplemental fencing or repellents may help young plants establish.
Can I plant Adam's Needle Yucca in part shade?
Varies by cultivar — most prefer full sun (6+ hrs).
What size gallon should I buy?
We typically offer Adam's Needle Yucca in #2, #5, #10, and sometimes larger gallon sizes. Smaller sizes establish faster and cost less; larger sizes give instant impact. For most Twin Cities residential landscapes, #5 or #10 gallon is the sweet spot.
Where We Deliver
Three Timbers Minnesota delivers and installs Adam's Needle Yucca across the Twin Cities metro — Minneapolis, St. Paul, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Edina, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Wayzata, Bloomington, Apple Valley, Burnsville, Lakeville, Eagan, Roseville, Shoreview, Stillwater, Woodbury, Hudson, Hopkins, St. Louis Park, Chanhassen, Excelsior, Victoria, Chaska, and surrounding communities. Live Adam's Needle Yucca grown for our climate and delivered fresh from our Waconia, MN nursery.
How Many Adam's Needle Yucca Do I Need?
Each plant forms a 2–3 ft evergreen rosette. For a bold architectural mass, space plants about 3 ft on center:
| Run length | Plants needed (3 ft spacing) |
| 10 ft | 4 |
| 20 ft | 7 |
| 30 ft | 11 |
| 40 ft | 14 |
As a specimen, a single yucca makes a striking focal point; or plant a cluster of 3–5 spaced 3 ft apart for a sculptural grouping.
Adam's Needle Yucca Season-by-Season in Minnesota
- Spring: The evergreen rosette of stiff, sword-shaped leaves greens up and begins pushing its tall flower stalk.
- Summer: A dramatic 6-ft spike of fragrant, creamy-white bells opens in July, drawing pollinators (including the specialized yucca moth).
- Fall: The spent flower stalk can be cut away; the bold evergreen rosette carries on.
- Winter: Fully evergreen — the architectural sword foliage holds its form and structure right through the snow.
At a Glance
✔ Drought-Tolerant ✔ Evergreen ✔ Pollinator-Friendly ✔ Four-Season Interest
Plant It With
- Little Bluestem — a fine-textured native grass that softens the yucca's bold spikes.
- Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass — upright vertical grass that echoes the flower stalk.
- Sombrero Granada Gold Coneflower — sun-loving, drought-tough color at the yucca's feet.
- Dark Matter Salvia — deep purple spikes and a long bloom for the same hot, dry spot.
Is Adam's Needle Yucca Right for Your Yard?
Adam's Needle is ideal for a hot, sunny, sharply drained spot — a gravel bed, a south-facing slope, or a xeric border — where its evergreen architecture and drought toughness shine year-round. It's not a fit for wet, soggy, or heavily shaded ground, where the crown is prone to rot and the rosette stretches and flops.