info@bloomindesigns.com
Imagine More Perennials Than You Can Imagine, Delivered To You - Free
Shop by Category
Shop by Brand
Shop by Brand
Mangave
Stunning Succulents with Unique Foliage
Mangaves are a relatively new and exciting group of succulents, combining the best traits of their parent genera, Manfreda and Agave. Here is why they are a fantastic addition to any collection:
- Dramatic Architectural Form: Mangaves inherit the rosette shape of Agaves but often with a softer, less spiny appearance. They create a bold focal point in containers, rock gardens, and xeric landscapes.
- Unique and Colorful Foliage: This is where Mangaves truly shine. They come in a wide array of colors, including shades of green, blue-green, purple, red, and even near-black. Many varieties feature striking spots, speckles, stripes, or blushing edges.
- Faster Growth Rate than Agave: Mangaves generally grow faster than most Agaves, reaching maturity more quickly.
- Greater Cold Hardiness than Many Agaves (but still limited): While not as cold-hardy as some Manfreda species, Mangaves often exhibit better cold tolerance than many Agave species, extending their growing range. However, they are still not frost-hardy in very cold climates.
- Less "Dangerous" than Agave: Mangaves typically have softer spines or no spines at all, making them easier and safer to handle than many Agaves.
- Excellent in Containers: Their relatively compact size and striking appearance make them perfect for container gardening.
- Drought Tolerant: Like their parent plants, Mangaves are highly drought-tolerant once established.
- Relatively Low Maintenance.
- Hardiness Zones: Typically hardy in Zones 8-11, but some varieties may tolerate Zone 7 with protection. Many are grown as houseplants or container plants that are brought indoors for the winter in colder climates.
- Sunlight: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day) is essential for best color and growth. They can tolerate very light shade, but color will be less intense.
- Soil: Very well-drained soil is crucial. Use a cactus/succulent potting mix, or amend regular potting mix with perlite, pumice, or coarse sand to improve drainage.
- Water: Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering is the most common cause of problems. Reduce watering significantly in winter.
- Size: Varies greatly depending on the cultivar, from small (6 inches tall and wide) to large (2-3 feet tall and wide).
Planting
- Timing: Plant Mangaves in spring or early summer.
- Container Planting:
- Choose a pot with drainage holes.
- Use a well-draining cactus/succulent potting mix.
- Plant the Mangave at the same depth it was growing in its nursery pot.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
- In-Ground Planting (in suitable climates):
- Choose a location with excellent drainage. Amend heavy clay soils with plenty of coarse sand, gravel, or pumice.
- Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball.
- Plant the Mangave at the same depth it was growing in its container.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
Growing and Care
- Watering: Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant.
- Fertilizing: Mangaves are not heavy feeders. A light feeding with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer (or a cactus/succulent fertilizer) in spring and summer is sufficient. Do not fertilize in fall or winter.
- Light: Provide as much direct sunlight as possible. Insufficient light will result in etiolation (stretching) and loss of color.
- Temperature: Protect from frost and freezing temperatures. Most Mangaves can tolerate brief periods of light frost, but prolonged freezing temperatures will damage or kill them. Bring container-grown plants indoors when temperatures drop below freezing.
- Repotting: Repot container-grown Mangaves every 2-3 years, or when they become root-bound. Use a slightly larger pot with fresh cactus/succulent potting mix.
- Pests and Diseases: Mangaves are generally pest and disease-resistant. Watch out for mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites, especially on indoor plants. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
- Pruning: Not generally needed. Remove dead or damaged leaves.
Propagation
- Offsets (Pups): Many Mangaves produce offsets (small plantlets) around the base of the mother plant. These can be carefully separated and potted up once they have developed their own roots. This is the easiest and most common method.
- Seed: Growing Mangaves from seed is possible, but it is slower and less common. Seeds require warm temperatures and consistent moisture to germinate. Since Mangaves are hybrids, seeds may not produce plants true to the parent.
Popular Mangave Cultivars
- 'Mad About Mangave' Series: A large and diverse collection of Mangave cultivars with a wide range of colors, patterns, and sizes. Examples include:
- 'Lavender Lady'
- 'Pineapple Express'
- 'Mission to Mars'
- 'Bad Hair Day'
- 'Catch a Wave'
- 'Inkblot'
- 'Spotty Dotty'
- 'Tooth Fairy'
- 'Macho Mocha': Large, impressive cultivar with broad, dark green to bronze leaves.
- 'Bloodspot': (Often considered a Manfreda cultivar but frequently used in Mangave breeding). Green leaves with prominent red spots.
Mangave is a relatively new phenomenon, as a cross between the genus Manfreda and Agave. These rare hybrids combine the best of both worlds: the better growth rate and the interesting patterns of Manfreda, and the habit and refinement of Agave.