Mangave Mad About Mangave® 'Mission to Mars'

A member of the MAD ABOUT MANGAVE® collection, nicknamed the Red Planet, Mangave 'Mission to Mars' is a succulent tender perennial grown for its basal rosette of long, fleshy, horizontal to slightly arching foliage. Uniquely colored, the 2 ¾-inch wide thick green leaves have margins that curl upward to expose cinnamon spines that complement the irregular, overlapping burgundy red spotting that covers large portions of the leaves, giving them an overall red appearance, which intensifies in strong ultraviolet light but becomes subdued under covers.

Mangave is an intergeneric cross of Manfreda x Agave, giving these hybrids the better growth rate and interesting patterns of Manfreda and the habit and refinement of Agave. 'Mission to Mars' has a compact habit and a moderate growth rate. A great specimen in the garden, it's a good choice for rock, alpine, and waterwise gardens or for xeriscapes. But it's an excellent container plant, inside or outside. In regions with cold winters, the plant will need to be moved inside and should be held at temps above 60°F.

Mangave grows best in a sunny location with dry to average, well-draining soil. Young plants require moderate moisture. Overly wet or extremely dry conditions should be avoided; however, established plants are drought tolerant, and in winter, should be grown slightly dry. But overly wet soil can cause crown and root rots or premature death. The plant is deer and rabbit resistant.