Learn about Mangave, a trendy new plant, from its top breeder and the Director of New Plant Development at Walters Gardens.

I have been hybridizing Mangave prior to working at Walters Gardens in 2009. The first role was propagating a selection made by Carl Schoenfeld of Yucca Do Nursery in tissue culture, and soon after hybridizing them. Working with Mangave has been very rewarding, as the growth rate is much faster than Agave, and the color patterns that the Manfreda bring increases the palette greatly. The fast rate of growth and diversity of foliage color caught my attention.

The rate of growth compared to Agave, the more user-friendly aspect (if the cross is more like a Manfreda, it will have fewer spines and marginal teeth). They seem much more forgiving on moisture requirements than either parent. They do have a low water requirement, however, they also do very well with moderate average watering than folks would experience in the southeastern U.S. (Florida). Faster growing, more diversity of leaf color, and moisture tolerance makes the Mangave different from their Agave parents.

We offer about 35 varieties in the Mad About Mangave collection. We are continually breeding Mangave and adding new and exciting varieties, and replacing or upgrading the selections. ‘Praying Hands’ is a very popular selection with an artichoke-like appearance, having leaves that curl upward. ‘Night Owl’ and ‘Black Magic’ have nearly black leaves, ‘Mission to Mars’, ‘Red Wing’ and ‘Blazing Saddles’ have red foliage. New breeding lines are producing variegated foliage, which is very exciting.

Mangave are embraced by a side segment of gardeners. They make great landscape plants where they are hardy, great for adding structure in the landscape for seasonal interest, and work well as potted plants for patio and container display. With the architectural foliage and structure, they are perfect for urns, and have seen very effective use in hanging baskets and face planters. Mangave have been embraced by the Millennials and they are collecting them and having fun posting pictures on social media. What class of plants do they fall into? They are succulents, but are also perennials, houseplants, and seasonal plants. Many folks have commented that they can go on vacation and not worry about their patio and container plants if they use Mangave, rather than if they used petunias and other annuals that need more care.

Their growth rate is faster than agave, their colors are much more pronounced with full sun rather than UV protection (polycovering), and they are addicting.