Mangave Redwing

The Mangave Mangave Redwing is a remarkably colourful succulent plant, reminiscent of a giant purple houseleek. It belongs to a series of hybrids resulting from the crossing between Manfreda and Agaves, selected in the U.S.A. From agaves, they borrow a remarkably architectural persistent vegetation and a lively temperament, while the Manfreda contribute unique colours, less sharp thorns, and a faster growth rate. This Redwing variety displays a vegetation tinged with deep pink-purple hues on a sour green background. Resistant to drought but not very hardy, it makes a beautiful subject to grow in pots on the terrace. In seaside gardens or mild climates, it will thrive in a rockery.

Mangave Mangave Redwing belongs to the Agave family, now included by botanists in the much larger Asparagus family. This plant grows quite rapidly into a rosette 30 cm tall by 60 cm wide, composed of numerous succulent leaves. They are wide, gutter-shaped, tapering to a point, gracefully arched, and edged with small, mildly prickly teeth. Their thick, slightly waxy blade is mostly purple on young leaves, gradually turning light green on older ones. Foliage colouration will be more intense if the plant is exposed to sunlight. Flowering will occur in favourable climates on mature plants, from August to October. From the centre of the rosette emerges a branched floral stem bearing small star-shaped white flowers. Mangave Mangave are plants for dry soil, very well drained, capable of withstanding short frosts of around -5 to -7°C depending on the varieties. They should be placed in full sun or at most in partial shade in warm climates. Vegetation persists in winter.

To create exotic scenes in mild climates, Redwing Mangave will be planted in a rockery, alongside other small agaves like Agave montana, other differently coloured Mangaves, Ajuga, or sedums. Collectors of cacti and other succulent plants can showcase it on the terrace or balcony in a blue or grey pot, surrounded by houseleeks.