What’s a Mangave? A Trendy and Visually Stunning Plant
Make Room for Mangave
Pronounced man-GAH-vay, mangave is a fascinating addition to any gardener's collection, if you are growing in the garden, patio container, or as a houseplant. Originating as a hybrid between the agave and manfreda plants, mangave plants boast a faster growth rate and a variety of colorful and intricately patterned leaves, thanks to their manfreda parentage. They retain the architectural beauty of agave but are less prickly, making them easier to care for and more appealing for gardeners.
Unique Features of Mangave
Hybrid Vigor
Hybrids are often bred to maintain the best qualities of each plant or variety. That is certainly the case with mangave. The combination of agave and manfreda gives mangave plants a unique set of qualities, including spiky leaves in various colors and intricate patterns. This uncommon combination makes them stand out in any garden or indoor setting.
Durability
Mangaves can thrive in both extreme heat and cold temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Their ability to store water within their leaves allows them to survive prolonged droughts, highlighting their resilience and low-maintenance nature.
Growth and Care
They are not heavy feeders and can thrive in nutrient-poor soil. A well-draining cactus soil is ideal for them, whether planted in containers or the ground.
Indoor and Outdoor Growth
For time-crunched gardeners, mangaves are a perfect choice due to their low maintenance requirements. They prefer well-draining soil and moderate watering, without the risk of overwatering which can cause root rot. These plants thrive in full sun or partial shade, making them versatile for different lighting conditions. When grown indoors, placing them near a window where they receive direct or indirect sunlight for at least six hours daily is ideal. Fertilizing every three months can promote robust growth, although it's not necessary for their survival.
Mangave Collection
Each of these mangave varieties brings a unique look to gardens and indoor spaces. Their resilience, combined with their exotic appearance, makes them a coveted choice for new or experienced gardeners looking for something special. The varieties available at Wayside Gardens will change but, we always endeavor to share access to a wide selection of these captivating plants.
PLEASE NOTE: Each of these varieties has a limited quantity. Due to their popularity, we expect them to sell out for spring shipping.
Featuring a rosette of soft, flexible, gracefully arching foliage, it’s the hardiest mangave to date. The lime green leaves have light blush-red spotting, intensifying towards the tip. In Zones 7 to 11, it's ideal for rock, alpine, and waterwise gardens, or xeriscapes. In colder Zones Mangave 'Bad Hair Day' is an excellent container plant. It requires sunny locations and well-drained soil, tolerates drought, and is deer and rabbit resistant. In regions with cold winters, Mangave 'Bad Hair Day' will need to be moved inside and should be held at temps above 60°F.
Photo courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
Mangave 'Tooth Fairy' is a compact succulent that reaches 10–12 inches tall and 16–18 inches wide, forming a bold, upright rosette with thick, blue-green leaves edged in teeth that transition from yellow to orange and cinnamon as they mature. This heat- and drought-tolerant plant thrives in hot, dry conditions but performs best in well-draining soil, recommended for outdoor growing in Zones 9-11. Its sturdy structure and low water needs make it ideal for xeriscapes, rock gardens, and waterwise landscapes. 'Tooth Fairy' is also deer and rabbit resistant and pairs well with other sun-loving plants, like agastache, lavender, and sedum.
A compact succulent, Mangave 'Catch a Wave' has a distinctive rosette of silvery blue, wavy leaves that curl at the edges, revealing soft, flexible marginal teeth. It grows 8–10 inches tall and 18–20 inches wide, developing dark spots in the sun that add texture to its unique appearance for Zones 9-11. Ideal for xeriscapes and waterwise gardens, 'Catch a Wave' tolerates heat, drought, and poor soils, thriving in full sun with minimal water once established. This deer- and rabbit-resistant plant makes a striking specimen in the garden or a bold centerpiece in mixed containers, pairing well with sun-loving plants.
Mangave 'Night Owl' is another beautifully unique compact succulent with a dramatic rosette of nearly black, broad leaves adorned with spiny, undulating margins, reaching 6–8 inches tall and 16–18 inches wide. Its rich, dark purple spotting intensifies in full sun, making it a striking architectural element in gardens and containers. This heat- and drought-tolerant plant is ideal for xeriscapes, rock, and waterwise gardens, requiring minimal water once established. 'Night Owl' also thrives in average, well-draining soil in Zones 9-11, and its resistance to deer and rabbits makes it a low-maintenance, high-impact addition to sunny, dry garden areas.
Each of these varieties brings its own unique aesthetic and characteristics, making them a fascinating choice for garden and container growing.
