Product Description
Mangave 'Aztec King' PP32151 - MAD ABOUT MANGAVE Collection (72)ct Flat
Common Name: Mangave
This certainly is a "king" of Mangave! Make sure you give this succulent plenty of room to grow so it can achieve its maximum potential. Wide, broad silvery green leaves are covered with burgundy flecks and form a very large rosette. A large terra cotta pot or a 3-gallon container will show off its impressive size the best.
Mangave is a relatively new phenomenon, an intergeneric cross of Manfreda x 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. We are very excited (shall we say mad?) about our new hybrids from Walters Gardens hybridizing.
Mangave is a tender perennial or "temperennial" succulent plant that grows best in full sun. Plant in well-drained, dry to average soil in containers just slightly wider than the width of the rosette or plant directly in the ground. In summer when the plants are actively growing, they appreciate a bit of supplemental watering and half-strength fertilizer. They should be grown dry in winter. Mangave is a slower grower, so it will not quickly overtake the space it is allotted in the landscape.
Height: 20.0-24.0 Inches
Spread: 38.0-42.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 9,10,11
Foliage Color: Green shades, Silver/grey shades, Multicolored
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Low Water Needs
Poor to Average Soil Quality
Deer and Rabbit Resistant
Growth Rate: Slow
Container, Drought Tolerant, Attractive Foliage, Small, Specimen, Focal Point, Native to North America
A Majestic Succulent for Your Garden
The Mangave 'Aztec King' is a captivating hybrid succulent, a cross between the stately Agave and the more rapidly growing Manfreda. This unique parentage results in a plant that embodies the best of both worlds: the striking architectural form and resilience of Agave combined with the faster growth rate and intricate patterns of Manfreda. Imagine a succulent with bold, sculptural foliage that quickly matures to become a focal point in your garden – that is the magic of 'Aztec King'. This article delves into the fascinating characteristics of this remarkable plant, its care requirements, and the many reasons why it deserves a place in your garden.
Appearance and Growth Habits Mangave 'Aztec King' forms a magnificent rosette of wide, lance-shaped leaves, reaching an impressive size of 20 to 24 inches in height and spreading 38 to 42 inches wide. The foliage is a captivating blend of silvery green and burgundy, often adorned with dark speckles that enhance its visual appeal. One of the most striking features of this Mangave is how the burgundy flecks intensify in strong sunlight, creating a dramatic interplay of colors. True to its Agave lineage, each leaf is edged with small spines. As the plant matures, the leaves gracefully arch, and the initially soft, finely toothed edges become firmer and sharper. With its moderate growth rate and symmetrical, compact form, 'Aztec King' is well-suited to a variety of garden settings.
- Height 20-24 inches
- Spread 38-42 inches
- Foliage Color Silvery green with burgundy flecks
- Growth Rate Moderate
- Shape Symmetrical rosette
Ideal Growing Conditions Mangave 'Aztec King' thrives in the warm climates of USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11. It prefers temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C) and basks in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and to bring out the intensity of its colors. Well-drained soil is essential, and a cactus or succulent mix with added sand or perlite is ideal.
Care and Maintenance One of the many appeals of 'Aztec King' is its low-maintenance nature. This drought-tolerant succulent thrives on neglect. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Reduce watering even further during the winter months when the plant is dormant. Fertilize once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted, balanced fertilizer, taking care not to over-fertilize, which can result in leggy growth.
Landscape Uses Mangave 'Aztec King' is a versatile plant that can be incorporated into a wide range of garden designs. Its unique appearance and growth habit make it a striking addition to:
- Rock gardens
- Succulent gardens
- Borders
- Xeriscapes
- Containers on patios, balconies, and indoor spaces
It is also an excellent choice for:
- Rock, alpine, and waterwise gardens
- Mass plantings
- General garden use
Its architectural form and cascading foliage make it a superb focal point in any garden setting.
Benefits Mangave 'Aztec King' offers numerous advantages for gardeners:
- Unique and attractive appearance: Its bold foliage and striking coloration make it a standout plant.
- Low maintenance: It requires minimal watering and fertilization.
- Drought tolerance: Ideal for water-wise gardens and xeriscaping.
- Deer and rabbit resistant: Less likely to be damaged by these animals.
- Adaptable: Thrives in various garden settings and containers.
- No significant negative characteristics: This plant is generally trouble-free and easy to grow.
Why Choose Mangave 'Aztec King'?
What sets Mangave 'Aztec King' apart from other succulents? It is a remarkable combination of beauty and resilience. As a hybrid of Manfreda and Agave, it inherits the best traits of both parents. You get the stunning architectural form and hardiness of Agave with the added benefit of the faster growth rate of Manfreda. This means you can enjoy a mature, eye-catching succulent in your garden sooner than you might with other Agave varieties.
Hardiness and Care
- While hardy in zones 9-11, it is best to protect this plant from frost. In colder regions, it can be grown in containers and brought indoors during winter.
- As an herbaceous perennial, Mangave 'Aztec King' typically dies back to the crown each winter and regrows from the base in spring. It is important to be mindful of this when cleaning up the garden in late winter or early spring to avoid disturbing the crown.
Plant Characteristics
- Toxicity: The sap of Mangave 'Aztec King' can be a skin irritant. Wear gloves when handling the plant. It is also harmful to pets if ingested.
- Growth Rate: While Mangave grows faster than Agave, it is still considered a slower-growing succulent. This means it will not quickly outgrow its space in the garden.
- Lifespan: Under ideal conditions, Mangave 'Aztec King' can live for approximately 5 years.
- Urban Tolerance: Mangave 'Aztec King' is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution, making it a suitable choice for city gardens.
Mangave 'Aztec King' is a truly exceptional succulent that offers a captivating blend of beauty, resilience, and low-maintenance care. Its unique foliage, drought tolerance, and adaptability make it a valuable asset to any garden, regardless of style. Whether you are creating a minimalist desert landscape, a vibrant succulent tapestry, or simply seeking a dramatic focal point for your patio, 'Aztec King' delivers. Its architectural form adds a touch of modern elegance, while its textural foliage provides a captivating contrast with other plants. For those seeking a water-wise garden, this succulent is an ideal choice, requiring minimal irrigation once established. With its ease of care and striking presence, Mangave 'Aztec King' is sure to become a cherished addition to your garden for years to come.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
