Common Name: mangave
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asparagaceae
Zone: 7 to 11
Height: 1.00 to 1.50 feet
Spread: 2.50 to 2.50 feet
Bloom Time: Rarely flowers
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low
Leaf: Colorful, Evergreen
Other: Winter Interest
Tolerate: Rabbit, Deer, Drought, Shallow-Rocky Soil
Culture
Best grown in mostly dry, very well-draining soils in full sun. Low light levels will lead to reduced foliage coloration. Tolerant of drought once established. Suitable for poor, shallow, rocky soils.
Noteworthy Characteristics
× Mangave is a hybrid genus produced by crossing Manfreda and Agave. These plants are herbaceous, rosette-forming, perennial succulents that are typically selected for a mix of desirable traits from both parent genera, including compact growth habit, colorful foliage, hardiness, drought resistance, and vigorous growth rate.
Mangave comes from combining the names of the two parent genera: Manfreda and Agave.
'Permanent Wave' features silvery gray, ovate to deltoid shaped leaves that can reach up to 12" long and 6" wide at the base. Mature plants will reach up to 1.5' tall and 3' wide with a low mounding growth habit. The leaves bear sharp, marginal and terminal spines, with the terminal spine reaching up to 0.75" long. The spines are reddish brown in color and add contrast against the silvery gray foliage. US plant patent PP35382 applies to this cultivar.
Problems
Watch for scale, mealy bugs, thrips, and eriophyid mites. Deer and rabbits tend to avoid this plant.
Uses
Rock garden, containers, xeriscaping. Can be overwintered indoors as a houseplant where not winter hardy, although supplemental lighting may be required.