Common names include Texas Tuberose, Texas Spice-Lily, Texas False Aloe.
This succulent native to thickets in sandy-clayey soils in south central Texas boasts a charming cluster of leaves that resemble Agave but are much softer and completely spine-free. The red-purple spotted blue-green leaves form a small rosette to 1′ wide. In midsummer, spikes emerge and flowers bloom in clusters at the top. They open creamy white, often with a hint of pink, and age to a deep rose, nearly brown, color. Very fragrant. While the foliage itself stays very low to the ground, the flower spikes can grow tall (up to 6′).
A nectar source for butterflies and even a larval host plant for Manfreda Giant Skippers.
While the plant might turn brown and fade away in winter, don’t worry—it makes a fantastic comeback in the spring! It needs to be grown in well draining soil and does best with regular summer water and light shade. However, plants look best if allowed to dry out in between waterings. Roots can survive extreme drought, but the plants are drought deciduous and will die back to the ground temporarily in such conditions.
Height: 5″-8″ Spread: 1′ Bloom: April-July Light: Full Sun-Part Shade Water: Low-Medium Zone: 7-10 Origin: Endemic to Texas
