Variegated tapioca has leaped in popularity for one reason: the wow factor. Once summer temperatures turn sweltering, we all look to tropical plants to provide pizazz in the garden and for the long growing season ahead.
Variegated tapioca is known botanically as Manihot esculenta 'Variegata' and is also called variegated cassava. Native to South America, it can be cooked and eaten but only if you know what you are doing! Believe me, you'll just want to treasure it for its stunning look in the garden.
This plant is cold hardy to zone 9 and warmer, which means the rest of you will either treat it as an outstanding annual or grow in a container to be brought indoors. I assure you it is equally flashy indoors in a brightly lighted atrium or a family room with a sunny, southeastern-facing window.
In frost-free areas, it can reach over 7 feet tall, but most I have seen have been kept mounded and slightly over 4 feet. The boldly variegated foliage starts reddish-pink but quickly reaches enormous status with deeply lobed, even palmate cream-and-green leaves reaching 8 inches in width.
A lot of tropical foliage can bleach in full summer sun, but variegated tapioca can take it, performing equally well in full or partial sun. When I say performance, I am talking Texas Superstar winner and very high ratings at the University of Georgia trials in Athens.
Fertile, well-drained soil will give you the best landscape performance. If you have a tight clay, incorporate 3-4 inches of organic matter like peat, compost or humus. This will provide the necessary aeration for good root expansion yet allow for suitable moisture holding capacity. This is one of those great plants able to tolerate acidic or alkaline conditions.
For those idyllic tropical containers on the porch or patio, do not skimp on potting soil. Forget the 40-pound bargain brand and purchase a bag that is light and fluffy and sold by the cubic foot.
Feeding will play an important role in your success.
In the landscape, feed with light monthly applications of a slow released blend like a 12-6-6. In containers, you'll want to feed with a dilute water-soluble fertilizer every other week or use controlled release granules per formula recommendation.
Pay attention to supplemental irrigation during prolonged dry periods and maintain a layer of mulch.
Should your variegated tapioca send up an all green sprout or shoot, prune it off immediately as it will become more vigorous and dominant.
In the tropical-style landscape, variegated tapioca looks at home in combination with bananas or elephant ears. Blue-flowered vines like the 'Incarnata' passion flower or 'Blue Glory' thunbergia can create a dazzling complementary partnership.
Otherwise, consider using scaevola or blue fan flower as a thrilling low-growing groundcover companion.
If tropical is not your style, have no fear because variegated tapioca has the ability to be an eye catcher no matter where you use it -- grandma's cottage, golf course garden or urban front yard.
First Published: June 4, 2011, 8:00 a.m.
