Mangave madness

A new succulent sensation is taking international gardens by storm and it’s about to be released in South Africa. 

Imagine a plant with the best traits of two different genera combined into a single, hardy, visually stunning specimen. Welcome to the world of mangaves – a range of intergeneric hybrids that have quickly become the darlings of gardeners everywhere.

These unique plants are eye-catching, robust, fast-growing, and relatively easy to care for. Whether you’re a seasoned succulent enthusiast or a novice gardener looking for something new, mangaves will be the perfect addition to your garden or patio. 

A happy accident

Mangaves are the delightful result of crossing two different genera: Agave and the former genus Manfreda. Manfredas are now controversially lumped under the genus agave but have long been admired for their interesting leaf patterns and growth habits.

Conversely, agaves are known for their sculptural form and hardiness, though they can be notoriously slow-growing. Combining these two has created something truly special: a plant that offers the best of both worlds.

The discovery of mangaves was, believe it or not, a happy accident. The first Mangave was created through unintentional cross-pollination and was discovered in a batch of manfreda seedlings at Carl Schoenfeld’s nursery in the US.

This unique plant was passed among friends as a botanical curiosity until it caught the eye of Hans Hansen, the Director of New Plant Development at Walters Gardens. Recognising the potential of this plant, Hans devoted significant time and resources to its development, leading to the introduction of the first mangave hybrid in 2016, the now-famous ‘Pineapple Express’. 

Breaking the rules

Crosses between two different genera are rare in cultivation and even rarer in nature. However, agave and manfreda have defied the odds and ‘hooked up’ on more than one occasion, producing the attractive offspring known as x mangave. The ‘x’ in front of mangave indicates a cross between different genera.

While you might occasionally see mangave written without the ‘x’, this is technically incorrect but convenient for alphabetising. 

Since their official debut, mangaves have taken the gardening world by storm. Initially, production couldn’t meet the demand, as plant collectors scrambled to get their hands on these new hybrids.

To introduce mangaves to mainstream gardeners, Walters Gardens launched the ‘Mad about Mangaves’ marketing campaign. The result was a full-blown succulent sensation that continues to grow in popularity worldwide. 

This October, the excitement spreads to South Africa, where eight outstanding mangave hybrids, managed in South Africa by De Wet Plant Breeders, will be available nationwide through leading retailers, allowing local gardeners to join in on the fun. 

The appeal of mangaves

So, what makes mangaves so special? For starters, they combine the sculptural form of agaves with the faster growth rate and unique patterns of manfreda. This means you get the best of both worlds – stunning, architectural plants that grow faster and are easier to care for.

Unlike most agaves, which can take up to 100 years to flower and then die, mangaves grow much quicker, with some hybrids growing three to four times faster. When they flower, the parent plant will die, but the rosettes produce basal offsets, so you actually end up with more plants! 

One of the most appealing aspects of mangaves is their hardiness. While all mangave hybrids are evergreen above freezing, many become deciduous at very cold temperatures.

They can be safely left outdoors in areas where temperatures drop to -7°C and some can even tolerate temperatures as low as -12°C. By crossing mangaves with agaves, breeders have enhanced the evergreen traits while retaining the beautiful, purplespotted leaves that so many gardeners love. 

Mangaves are also more user-friendly than agaves, thanks to their less aggressive spines. Their pointed, fleshy leaves are held in tight rosettes, giving them a refined, elegant appearance that makes them perfect for both garden beds and containers.

As of early 2022, there were over 90 named mangave cultivars, with 82 of those resulting from Hans Hansen’s work at Walters Gardens. And the mangave family is still growing.

Hans Hansen is still very actively breeding new hybrids that include more variegated foliage, increased winter hardiness and exciting new traits that we can’t even imagine yet. 

Caring for mangaves

Plant mangaves in well-drained soil. Sandy or rocky soils are ideal, but if your garden soil is too heavy or retains too much water, you can augment it with a succulent mix or by adding compost and river sand. Mangaves don’t like to sit in wet soil for too long, as this can cause their roots to rot. 

When planting mangaves in containers, use a well-draining soil mix with plenty of course sand for best results. Once established, water sparingly in the summer and keep them dry in the winter.

Mangaves, however, don’t rot as easily as many popular succulents. They require plenty of sunlight to display their vibrant colours, so place them in a spot where they’ll receive full sun or at least afternoon sun. 

Feeding mangaves every three to four months during the growing season with an organic fertiliser like Talborne Vita Grow 2.3.2 or more regularly with the liquid organic Talborne Nourish Multiplant, will help keep it healthy. Be careful not to over-fertilise, as extra nutrition isn’t beneficial for them. 

The New Stars of 2024

Several new mangave hybrids will be hitting the South African market this October, and they’re sure to become instant favourites. 

Mangave ‘Pineapple Express’

‘Pineapple Express’ is a compact beauty that lives up to its name with a spiky habit reminiscent of a pineapple top. Its blue-green leaves are covered with burgundy spots, creating a minty-green finish that looks striking in a yellow or tan container, further enhancing that pineapple look. The tiny spines lining the leaf margins, and a sharp cinnamon terminal spine give this mangave a distinctive, spiky appearance. It’s perfect for both containers and garden beds. 

Mangave ‘Blazing Saddles’

This mangave is destined to be a star in any home. Its green leaves are so heavily spotted with red that they appear to have solid red bands with green margins. The sharply pointed leaves are lined with tiny spines, making it a compact, low-profile plant perfect for contemporary containers. 

Mangave ‘Mission to Mars’

Named after the red planet, ‘Mission to Mars’ features unique, intense red colouration from its leaves, which are so heavily spotted with red dots that they look completely red. The long leaves form a gracefully arching habit, creating an eye catching, sculptural masterpiece. 

Mangave ‘Black Magic’

For a dramatic statement, ‘Black Magic’ is hard to beat. This mangave’s leaves are so heavily spotted that they appear nearly black, making it a showstopper in any garden or sunny patio. The long, flat leaves arch downward in containers, adding to its striking appearance. 

Mangave ‘Purple People Eater’

Don’t worry; this ‘Purple People Eater’ isn’t going to gobble you up! Instead, it will delight you with its extremely purple colouration. The thick, sturdy leaves are blue green with reddish-purple spots, creating a deep purple hue perfect for adding a pop of colour to your landscape. 

Mangave ‘Lavender Lady’

‘Lavender Lady’ is the offspring of Agave attenuata and Mangave ‘Bloodspot’, combining the best qualities of both parents. Its solitary rosette habit and smoky purple leaves give it a refined, elegant look that resembles an echeveria. The leaves darken to a smoky purple in direct sunlight, featuring subdued burgundy dots and a cinnamon-brown terminal spine. 

Mangave ‘Red Wing’

If you’re looking for something with a bit of flair, ‘Red Wing’ might be just the ticket. This hybrid boasts deep red leaves that form a large, symmetrical rosette. It’s perfect for containers or as a focal point in your garden, and its intense red colouration is sure to turn heads. 

KEY POINTS

1. Colourful and striking foliage  

2. Easy to grow  

3. Fast growth rate  

4. Drought tolerant  

5. Patio plant  

6. Pest and disease resistant  

7. The more sun, the deeper the markings 

Mangave ‘Praying Hands’

‘Praying Hands’ stands out from its other mangave cousins with its unique habit of curled-up leaves that resemble a teardrop or artichoke. The dark green leaves stay curled in a tight rosette, with thin reddish-brown margins and terminal spines that nearly touch at the top. This mangave is perfect for adding a touch of drama to your garden. 

Mangaves are more than just a passing trend; they’re a testament to the power of plant breeding and the endless possibilities it offers.

Whether you’re drawn to their striking colours, unique forms, or hardy nature, mangaves will bring a unique touch to your garden. As this new genus evolves, one thing is clear: the mangave madness is here to stay. So, why not join the craze and add a mangave to your collection? You won’t be disappointed! 

Available from October 2024 in leading garden centres & selected retailers. For more info visit https://cndnursery.co.za