Overall plant
Common Name: manfreda
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asparagaceae
Zone: 7 to 10
Height: 0.50 to 0.75 feet
Spread: 2.50 to 2.75 feet
Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
Bloom Description: Reddish-brown
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low
Flower: Showy, Fragrant
Tolerate: Drought, Dry Soil, Shallow-Rocky Soil
Culture
Best grown in moderately dry, well-draining, sandy or gravely soil in full sun.
'Cherry Chocolate Chip' is hardy in Zones 7b(0-5°F) to 10.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Manfreda undulata is a succulent, herbaceous perennial native to Mexico. The leaves have undulating, finely toothed margins and can reach 1.5' long and around 1" wide. There is some debate as to whether or not this species is valid. Synonymous with Agave undulata.
Genus name honors Manfredus de Monte Imperiali, an ancient writer.
The specific epithet undulata means "undulating", in reference to the leaf margins of this species.
'Cherry Chocolate Chip' was discovered as a whole plant mutation from a crop of Manfreda undulata 'Chocolate Chips'. Mature plants will reach 6-8" tall with a 2.5-2.75' spread. The narrow, lanceolate shaped foliage will reach roughly 1.25' long and 1" wide. The foliage is green with splotches of red, and the undulating margins are white, creating a unique coloration. An upright, 8.5' tall flowering spike will appear in late spring or early summer, bearing terminal racemes of 2" long, reddish-brown, fragrant flowers. Plants tend to bloom yearly once mature, and will not die after flowering like some related plants. This plant is protected by patent number PP29918.
Problems
No major pest or disease problems of note.
Uses
Dry borders, gravel gardens, rock gardens. Can be overwintered as a houseplant, but foliage coloration may fade.