Agave Species, Rattlesnake Agave, False Aloe, Spice Lily, Manfreda

Got my first one in the late 70's bare root from Don Buzzingham in Texas. Grew in a pot for years in IL. Then wintered out in AZ. I hav...Read Moree grown 3 types. Bloom every summer. Suffer winter damage. No extra water. Full sun. Am now keeping "Macho Mocha" in pots to keep it more attractive. It is beautiful, but leaves break easily.

Central Phoenix --- Although I remain confused on Manfreda identification, I believe I have Manfreda maculosa. I have several plants, al...Read Morel propagated from a plant collected in the wild in Texas in the mid-1980s. It is small for a Manfreda, but quite vigorous. The flower stalk is about 18 inches to 2 feet tall and the flowers are white with burgundy blush on the outer edges. Their multiple heads cluster closely. These plants have survived many freezing winters into the lower 20s in the ground and in pots. They get water ranging from once a month to weekly in summer and little to none in winter. While I grow most of mine in shade, some get substantial afternoon sun and those tend to do best.

I've been growing this plant in my yard for over one year. It has survived both the summer (115 degrees +) and the winter (a 6" blanket ...Read Moreof snow) in Las Vegas and is doing quite nicely. The flowers are interesting.

I have not grown this plant. Rattlesnake Agave, Spice Lily (Manfreda maculosa) is native to southern Texas and northern Mexico. It bloo...Read Morems from March through August.