Manfreda maculosa bloom
Also known as the Texas tuberose, Manfreda maculosa is a small succulent with long, sword-like, yet floppy leaves that somewhat resemble an agave. The leaves, which I neglected to photograph in my enthusiasm for the flower stalk, are brownish-purplish green and remain low to the ground.
The plant itself is best viewed in a container so you can really see it. But when it blooms—once a year, just for a week or so—the stalk rises so high that it doesn’t matter that you just stuck the plant in the ground one day because you couldn’t find a good spot for it.
I’ve had this manfreda for about 13 years, most of that time in a small container. Early this year I took all the plants out and distributed them in the garden, and, for lack of a better idea, I put the manfreda among my ‘Best of Friends’ daylilies near the stock-tank planter. Then I promptly forgot about it.
Considering the number of flowers I’m getting from this one little plant, it seems pretty happy in its new spot.
All material © 2006-2008 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
I can see why you like this plant Pam. The blooms are very pretty, delicate. I also like that
name Manfreda. It sounds like the person who named it didn’t quite know if it was a male or female.
Lisa, you are so funny. Now I’ll always think of the unibrowed Frida Kahlo when I look at this plant. —Pam
Seems like you chose an ideal location. 🙂 It’s very pretty, and all the more special for the brief appearance it makes. Aren’t these just the things we wait for all winter? 🙂
Well, yes, except this Austin gardener never wants winter to end. I much prefer it to summer around here. 😉 —Pam
It looks very pretty backed by the stock tank. As it is nicknamed “tuberose” I’m assuming that it is fragrant.
I will have a sniff and let you know. I don’t know why I haven’t taken a whiff before. —Pam
I have a cousin from up north a bit, the Manfreda virginica…Manfreda hasn’t bloomed yet and we aren’t sure he/she likes my Tennessee garden. But yours I like! Pretty flowers. Maybe moving my pal Manfred to a container would help.
Maybe so, Gail. Tell Manfred to shape up or I’ll send his cousin up there to straighten him out. 😉 —Pam
Wandering thru your site. Your photographs are lovely. I’m enjoying my visit.
Marnie
Thanks, Marnie. I’m glad you stopped by. —Pam
Does it smell?
I need to find out pronto. —Pam
It’s very cute, and how lovely that it’s not fussy! We all need those!
Yes, the more, the better! —Pam
Great photo! The silver ponyfoot/stock tank in the background looks like a big bathtub overflowing with ice.
So it does, Iris. Thanks for that cooling imagery during these hot days. —Pam
How lovely! It seems there are a lot of Texas natives that work well in the garden…more so than many states or maybe I just notice them more? I do like a lot of the ones I’ve “seen” recently.
That’s an interesting question, Leslie. I suspect that the southwest values its native plants more than more-temperate climates just because we’re more interested in drought-tolerant and heat-tolerant plants. So maybe you see more of a selection in the Texas blogs. —Pam
Another beautiful flower! It looks very happy there(-:
It does seem happy among the daylilies. —Pam
You didn’t mention the fragrance (and I’m all about the scent)- When I think of tuberose I think of bridal bouquets and sweet aromas. Am I off my rocker or is tuberose used in the floral industry? Beautiful pictures!
I must be the only one who didn’t wonder whether it was fragrant. I’ll find out tomorrow and report back. —Pam
This is a first for me. I’ve never seen a Manfreda of any species bloom. Manfreda virginica is more common here.
Aiyana
That’s interesting, Aiyana. This one has bloomed yearly for many years. I’m glad it has proved as happy in the ground as it was in the container. —Pam
I’d say you did well moving it ~ it’s spectacular. I’d have forgotten to photograph the foliage too. It’s a downfall of mine, just concentrating on the flowers. A week of bloom time seems WAY to short for such a lovely plant tho.
The foliage of this manfreda, unlike its cousin ‘Macho Mocha,’ is not very exciting to me, which is partly why I forgot about it. Yep, it’s a short-lived bloom, but the plant is small and doesn’t require anything from me, and the flower is always a fun surprise when it appears. —Pam
For everyone who asked about the fragrance, I waited too long to find out. The flowers this morning were past their prime and lacked scent. But according to some online sources, they are fragrant. In fact, this manfreda is also known as spice lily. —Pam