Scientific Name
Manfreda maculosa (Hook.) Rose
Common Name(s)
Texas Tuberose, Spice Lily, Manfreda Agave, Rattlesnake Agave
Synonym(s)
Agave maculata, Polianthes maculosa
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Agavoideae
Genus: Manfreda
Description
Manfreda maculosa is an attractive succulent that forms a stemless rosette of dull-green leaves marked with round reddish-purple to dark brown spots. It spreads slowly by underground rhizomes to form a clump. Leaves are thick, fleshy, sword-shaped, up to 14.4 inches (36 cm) long, and up to one inch (2.5 cm) wide. The mildly fragrant flowers are up to 2 inches (5 cm) across, cream-colored to greenish-white, age to rose pink, and appear on up to 6 feet (1.8 m) tall spikes in spring. They open and change colors over 3 to 4 days of life.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 7a to 9b: from 0 °F (−17.8 °C) to 30 °F (−1.1 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Manfreda is a tender perennial or "temperennial" succulent plant that grows best in full sun. Plant in well-drained, dry to average soil in containers just slightly wider than the width of the rosette or plant directly in the ground. Since the plant has a large root system, the container should be at least 12 inches (30 cm) deep. Manfreda is a slower grower, so it will not quickly overtake the space allotted in the landscape.
When the plants are actively growing in summer, they appreciate a bit of supplemental watering and half-strength fertilizer. During the winter, the plants should be allowed to dry and stored in a cold room at 48 °F (9 °C). Plants are watered only enough to keep the foliage from shriveling.
Manfredas are propagated by the removal of offsets and from fresh seed. Fresh seeds germinate in 7 to 21 days at 68 to 72 °F (19 to 22 °C).
See more at: How to Grow and Care for Manfreda.
Origin
This species is endemic to southern Texas and northeastern Mexico.
Hybrids
Links
- Back to genus Manfreda
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
