Mangave: The Essential Greenery You Shouldn't Miss Out On
In the world of succulents, a new star has emerged, captivating garden enthusiasts and horticulturists alike. These are the Mangaves, a remarkable hybrid plant created by crossing Manfreda with Agave.
First discovered in the arid wilds of Mexico, Mangaves have since been successfully introduced in the US and Europe, and are now available under the brand 'Mad about Mangave.' Thanks to the efforts of pioneers like Tony Avent and Carl Schoenfeld, who coined the term 'Mangave' to denote this new nothogenus, these vibrant succulents are becoming increasingly popular.
Mangaves thrive in well-drained soils, with little need for fertilization, and ask only for a sunny exposure to bring out the richest leaf colors and most mesmerizing patterns. They grow faster than traditional Agaves, and they do well in containers, both indoors and outdoors.
Key characteristics common to popular Mangave varieties include their hybrid origin, sharp but less spiny leaves, and vibrant sun-induced colors. Among them, Mangave 'Center of Attention' is a notable variety characterized by a loose rosette shape, long thin leaves with sharp teeth, and a color palette that ranges from deep purple to green with brilliant purple and red tones under bright sun.
Other varieties share the fast growth and colorful foliage traits but differ in form and leaf pattern details. For instance, Mangave Mission to Mars is an intensely red Mangave, with thick green leaves heavily speckled with burgundy red. Mangave Silver Fox is a stunning Mangave with nearly white leaves, covered in a thick waxy coating, and light blue-purple spotting underneath.
Mangave Mint Chocolate Chip is a unique Mangave with wavy leaves and intense near-black spotting, while Mangave Spotty Dotty has medium green leaves covered with small, dark burgundy-purple spots, and wide leaves that fold up at the margins, displaying sienna orange marginal teeth and long terminal spines.
Mangave Inkblot is a versatile and easy-to-maintain Mangave succulent, known for its striking colors and patterns. A recent addition to the Mangave family is Mangave Moonglow, a new cross between Manfreda and Agave, characterized by a low, wide symmetrical rosette of long flat leaves with dramatic coloration.
One of the most appealing aspects of Mangaves is their low maintenance requirements and high impact. These succulents are non-toxic and pet-friendly, and they resist pests, diseases, deer, and rabbits. They are versatile in landscape and container design, and they adapt beautifully to life as a houseplant.
Feature image by @peterplantipp, header image by @pamdigging. For those interested in exploring the world of Mangaves, plant wholesaler Waterdrinker offers these varieties and more for European floral designers, landscapers, and other professional plant lovers.
References:
[1] https://www.madaboutmangave.com/mangave-center-of-attention/ [2] https://www.madaboutmangave.com/mangave-pineapple-express/ [3] https://www.madaboutmangave.com/mangave-mission-to-mars/
- The Mangaves, with their vibrant succulent leaves and low maintenance requirements, have become a significant talk in the news of the home-and-garden, lifestyle, and art industries.
- In the realm of education, Tony Avent and Carl Schoenfeld are recognized for their pioneering work in creating the Mangave nothogenus and popularizing these plants.
- Due to their design versatility, Mangaves are finding their way into various aspects of the floral industry, including landscape, container design, and even home-and-garden art.
- Mangaves such as Mangave 'Center of Attention' boast unique foliage patterns, with deep purple and green leaves that display brilliant purple and red tones under bright sun, making them ideal for education and appreciation in botanical art.
- The growth and expansion of the Mangave industry are increasingly sustainability focused, with prominent horticulturists promoting ethical growing practices and cultivation techniques to ensure the long-term viability of these plants.
- By incorporating Mangaves into their landscapes or homes, enthusiasts not only contribute to the sustainability of the horticulture industry, but also create beautiful, low-maintenance living spaces that enhance their overall lifestyle.
