Product Description
Mangave 'Pineapple Express' PP28613 - MAD ABOUT MANGAVE Collection (72)ct Flat
Common Name: Mangave
The refined, spiky habit of this Mangave will remind you of the top of a pineapple. 1” wide, dark green leaves are long and slender, with pronounced burgundy spotting. The spots will be more pronounced when in full sun and exposed to UV light. A waxy coating gives the leaves a minty-green finish. Leaves are packed in tightly to form a spiky rosette. Tiny spines line the margins, and a very sharp, cinnamon terminal spine complete the spiky look. Plant this Mangave in a yellow or tan container to complete the pineapple look!
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: 9.0-10.0 Inches
Spread: 16.0-18.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 9,10,11
Foliage Color: Blue shades, Variegated
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 Pineapple…But Make it a Succulent!
Imagine a pineapple…but make it a succulent! That is the Mangave 'Pineapple Express', a captivating hybrid plant that has been making waves in the gardening world. This unique succulent, a cross between Manfreda and Agave, offers striking foliage and a distinctive form that can add a touch of the exotic to any garden. With its low-maintenance nature and hardiness, it is an excellent choice for both novice and seasoned gardeners alike.
Mangave is a relatively new phenomenon in the plant world – a cross between Manfreda and Agave. These rare cultivars, expertly hybridized by Hans Hansen of Walters Gardens, combine the best of both parents. They offer the faster growth rate and interesting patterns of Manfreda with the attractive structural growth of an Agave. The 'Pineapple Express' variety, specifically, is a cross between Mangave 'Jaguar' and M. 'Bloodspot'.
This captivating succulent lives up to its name, with foliage that resembles the top of a pineapple. It forms a symmetrical rosette of long, stiff, and arching leaves, reaching a mature size of up to 18 inches tall and 2 feet wide. The leaves themselves are a sight to behold: long and slender, about 1 inch wide, with a dark olive green base and a glaucous, minty green overlay. Adding to the visual interest are prominent burgundy spots that become more pronounced with increased sun exposure. Tiny spines line the edges of each leaf, culminating in a sharp, cinnamon-colored terminal spine. This combination of colors and textures creates a visually striking plant that is sure to be a conversation starter in any garden.
After a few years of growth, Mangave 'Pineapple Express' will reward you with a stunning display of flowers. Tall spikes emerge, adorned with lavender and white blooms, creating a beautiful contrast against the spiky foliage. This flowering spectacle typically occurs in late spring to early summer. While the individual rosette that produces the flower stalk will die back after blooming, much like Agaves, the plant offsets at the same time, ensuring continued growth and enjoyment.
Mangave 'Pineapple Express' has a relatively fast growth rate and can be expected to live for approximately 5 years under ideal conditions.
It is important to note that the sap of Mangave 'Pineapple Express' can be irritating to the skin and mucous membranes. It is advisable to wear gloves when handling the plant to avoid any discomfort. Additionally, the plant is harmful to pets if ingested. On a positive note, it is generally resistant to deer and rabbits, so you can enjoy its beauty without worrying about these common garden pests.
Ideal Growing Conditions Mangave 'Pineapple Express' thrives in the warmth and sunshine of USDA zones 9 to 11. To ensure this succulent flourishes, provide it with the following conditions:
- Sunlight This sun-loving plant needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth. While it can tolerate some shade, more sun exposure results in more pronounced burgundy spotting on its leaves, enhancing its visual appeal.
- Soil Well-draining soil is essential for Mangave 'Pineapple Express'. A cactus or succulent mix is ideal, and adding sand or perlite can further improve drainage. The plant is not particular as to soil type or pH.
- Water Mangave 'Pineapple Express' is drought-tolerant, thanks to its Agave parentage. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings.
- Spacing and Temperature When planting, space individual plants about 16 to 18 inches apart to allow for their mature spread. This succulent thrives in temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C).
Potential Uses in the Garden Mangave 'Pineapple Express' is incredibly versatile, fitting seamlessly into various garden styles and settings. Its architectural form and striking foliage make it a standout choice for xeriscapes, Mediterranean gardens, and even contemporary designs. Here are just a few ways to incorporate this unique succulent into your landscape:
- Rock Gardens: Its texture and form make it a natural fit for rock gardens, where it can be combined with other succulents and drought-tolerant plants.
- Succulent Gardens: It adds a dramatic focal point to succulent gardens, contrasting beautifully with softer succulents like Echeveria and Sedum.
- Borders: Its compact size makes it suitable for borders, where it can add a touch of the exotic.
- Containers: It thrives in containers, allowing for versatile placement in patios, balconies, and even indoor spaces. It is often used as a 'filler' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination, providing a canvas of foliage against which the thriller plants stand out.
- Xeriscaping: Its drought tolerance makes it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
- Mass Planting: When planted in masses, it creates a striking and unusual ground cover.
Care and Maintenance One of the most appealing aspects of Mangave 'Pineapple Express' is its low-maintenance nature. With minimal care, this succulent will thrive and bring long-lasting beauty to your garden.
- Watering Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Reduce watering during winter dormancy. The "Drench, Drain and Dry" technique is recommended: thoroughly soak the soil, allow excess water to drain completely, and then let the soil dry out before watering again.
- Fertilizing Fertilizing is generally not necessary but can be done during the growing season (spring and summer) to encourage faster growth. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
- Pruning Mangave 'Pineapple Express' requires minimal pruning. Simply remove any dead or damaged leaves as needed.
- Propagation This Mangave can be propagated through offsets or "pups" – small plants that grow at the base of the mother plant. These can be separated and repotted to create new plants.
- Overwintering In colder regions (below USDA zone 9), bring the plant indoors and place it in a sunny location to overwinter. Ensure it receives as much light as possible to prevent etiolation (stretching).
Mangave 'Pineapple Express' stands out among succulents with its unique combination of striking foliage, fast growth, and low-maintenance care. Unlike traditional Agaves, which can be slow-growing and require more specific care, this hybrid offers a quicker and easier way to add a touch of the exotic to your garden. Imagine pairing it with blue chalk sticks (Senecio mandraliscae) for a striking contrast in color and texture or using it as a focal point in a minimalist container garden with a backdrop of smooth river rocks. With its captivating appearance and easy care, Mangave 'Pineapple Express' is a must-have for any succulent enthusiast.
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!
