Manfreda Maculosa

Manfreda maculosa, commonly known as the Texas Tuberose or Spotted Manfreda, is a distinctive perennial succulent native to the southern United States and Mexico. This plant is particularly noted for its rosette of slender, lance-shaped leaves, which typically grow about 6 to 12 inches in height and spread out to 1 to 2 feet.

The leaves of Manfreda maculosa are unique, featuring a greenish-gray color with intriguing purple or brown spots, giving it a speckled appearance. This spotting varies from plant to plant, making each specimen unique. The leaves are somewhat wavy and have a slightly rough texture.

Manfreda maculosa thrives in well-drained soil and is suitable for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and as a border plant in drought-tolerant landscapes. It can also be grown in containers, where its intriguing foliage can be showcased. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade, with the leaf coloration often becoming more pronounced in brighter light.

One of the most striking features of Manfreda maculosa is its flowering stalk, which can shoot up to 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters) tall. The flowers are tubular, greenish-white or yellowish with a purplish tinge, and bloom in the summer. These blooms are not only visually appealing but also attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.

Manfreda maculosa is a low-maintenance plant, requiring minimal care once established. It's drought-tolerant and should be watered sparingly, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking plants with low water needs. Its unique foliage and striking blooms make it a fascinating addition to any garden, adding texture and a touch of the exotic to the landscape.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Manfreda Maculosa

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun to partial shade (at least 4-6 hours of sunlight for optimal growth)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 1-2 feet apart to form a dense, clumping growth pattern
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Manfreda Maculosa requires no staking and grows in a clumping, rosette form with attractive foliage

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 3-4 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Manfreda Maculosa is considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant to ensure deep watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering to every 5-7 days. In winter, reduce to every 3-4 weeks