× Polifreda ‘Lindstrom’, a Cross Between False Aloe and Mexican Tuberose

Abstract

× Polifreda ‘Lindstrom’ was developed at the University of Arkansas to increase the range of perennials available to horticulture in the American South. The cultivar was selected from 14 viable seedlings produced by crossing Manfreda virginica (L.) Salisb. ex Rose (male) and Polianthes tuberosa L. (female) via controlled pollination. Specimens have been grown at the University of Arkansas Agricultural Research Station in Fayetteville, Arkansas (USDA Zone 6b) since 2005 and propagated by either division or micropropagation. Desirable characters inherited from P. tuberosa include two flowers per node, a pleasant fragrance, and heat and drought tolerance. Characteristics resembling M. virginica include finely-denticulate leaf margins, a scapose raceme inflorescence type, and tolerance of winter temperatures as low as −25C (−11F). The intergeneric hybrid represents the first cultivar of the nothogenus × Polifreda. The cultivar epithet ‘Lindstrom’ was chosen to honor the contribution to horticulture of the late Jon T. Lindstrom, who was the instigator of the breeding program and a former associate professor at the University of Arkansas. It is proposed that × Polifreda ‘Lindstrom’ would be suited to either perennial borders or rock gardens, situated in full sun or partial shade.