Blog: trio of sale bargain succulents added to my collection!
Love Agave succulents but hate the spines? Mangave is an Agave/Manfreda cross with the best qualities of both – here’s how to grow Mangave.
I love a sale bargain (who doesn’t), and January is the prime time to visit your local garden centre for little gems. This is the worst time of year for them, so give them a boost! I picked up three tender perennial Mangave for half price at Dobbies, but they were an eye-watering £24.99 each full price! They were still outside – NOT ideal – but were well enough for a rescue attempt.
The hybrids were accidentally found in Mexico, as horticulturists were collecting seed from a Manfreda specimen in the desert. Two of the offspring grew to five times the expected size, with different leaves and blooms. The many varieties grow about twice as fast (thanks to Manfreda) and have the architectural form of the Agave. They also have softer spines than Agave, making them far easier to move and repot. They also tolerate damper conditions. Plants are very easy to look after.
Thanks to the Manfreda genes comes the wide variety of patterns and colouring. Look for foliage spotting, as well as wavy and cascading foliage. Here are the three I chose:
How to grow Mangave – Mission to Mars
This was my first choice. The 7cm wide, thick green leaves are heavily speckled with burgundy red, with spots that bleed into each other. It’s a bit faint at the moment, due to poor winter light and will get much brighter in summer. Arching leaves grow to 30cm long, and the margins curl up, showing off cinnamon spines. Height 25cm x spread 50cm.
Mangave Silver Fox
A great contrast to the more popular reds! The light green leaves have a thick waxy coating, which gives them an almost silver glow. Light blue-purple spotting when seen up close. Silver Fox’s thick, arching leaves and defined marginal teeth give it an unusual habit. Height 25cm x spread 35cm.
How to grow Mangave – Redwing
Noted for its vivid colour in full sun, Redwing’s rosette of thick, rigid, lance-shaped deep burgundy-red leaves, edged with short creamy teeth, is tipped with cinnamon spines. It’s the biggest of my trio – height 45cm x spread 60cm.
Potted guide: how to grow Mangave
- Position: Full sun.
- Soil: Free-draining compost.
- Rate of growth: Average.
- Hardiness and winter care: Half hardy (needs winter protection). In autumn, overwinter in a cool conservatory or bright, unheated room. The compost should be kept almost dry during the winter.
- Summer care: As temperatures rise in spring, gradually increase watering, harden plants off and move them outside. Keep reasonably well watered during the growing season.
