Common Name: mangave
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asparagaceae
Zone: 9 to 11
Height: 0.50 to 0.75 feet
Spread: 1.75 to 2.00 feet
Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
Bloom Description: Yellowish olive green with pink blush
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Annual
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.
'Black Magic' is a dark-leaved mangave cultivar that originated from a cross between × Mangave 'Moonglow' and an unnamed × Mangave selection. The lanceolate foliage, reaching around 12.5" long and 1.25" wide, has finely toothed margins and a mottled dark purple to nearly black coloration. A 4.5' tall flowering spike will emerge from the center of each rosette once plants reach maturity (around 3 years old). Yellowish olive green, tubular blooms with a pink blush cover the top 2' of the flowering spike. The flowers are not considered horticulturally significant compared to the foliage. Plants will not die back once flowering is complete. This plant is protected by patent number PP34692.
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.