Manfreda virginica

Also Known As

Agave virginica
Deciduous Agave
False Aloe

Plant type

perennial, cactus / succulent

size

H: 6"-12"
W: 24"-40"

planting zones

4b-9b

More Options

Manfreda virginica plant details

Manfreda virginica is a broadleaf deciduous perennial cactus / succulent with burgundy, green and variegated foliage. In summer purple flowers emerge. Attracts hummingbirds. Grows well with sun - bright shade and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in winter. Does well in alkaline, average, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Manfreda virginica

Plant type: perennial cactus / succulent
Plant family: agavaceae, asparagaceae
Foliage: deciduous burgundy, green and variegated
Mature size: 24 IN - 40 IN - wide, 6 IN - 12 IN - tall
Flowers: purple blooms in summer
Uses: architectural, container plant, desert garden, edging plant, medicinal, rare, rock garden, rosette-forming, spotted leaves, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Manfreda virginica

USDA Zones: 4b - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - bright shade
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat, humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: alkaline, average, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Yes, believe it or not, we have a native Agave on the East Coast. One of the two genera in the Amaryllidaceae family in WV, see also Hypoxis, Agave virginica, sometimes known also as Manfreda virginica, was used by the Cherokee Native Americans as a cure for diarrhea. Also for treating animals for worms. In these modern times, I think that we're better off just enjoying the ornamental value of this really cool plant. From a rosette of fleshy foliage comes a 36"-72" flower scape with interesting greenish yellow flowers in mid to late Summer. Part shade to full sun.

By: Sunshine Farm and Gardens

Strange, deciduous Agave relative, it dies down to a succulent rootstock in the winter. In the spring a new rosette of red spotted green leaves emerges. It has proven hardy here and the foliage is quite a conversation piece, and the flowers are cool as well, I suspect it would be much more popular if it was a bit quicker to propagate, we have been working since 1997 to produce enough to offer

By: Arrowhead Alpines

Garden photo gallery of Manfreda virginica

Photo of Manfreda virginica foliage by Alan Lorence

By: Alan Lorence

By: Alan Lorence

Gardening facts about Manfreda virginica plant

How to Grow Manfreda virginica

Sun Exposure
- sun - bright shade
Water Needs
- regular - drought tolerant
Water Needs
- dry in winter
Soil Needs
- alkaline
- average
- lean
- well-drained
- rocky
- gritty
Special Situation
- heat tolerant
- humidity tolerant
- verticillium wilt resistant