Mangave 'Red Wing' [large]

Mangave 'Red Wing' PP31459 (Hansen): A stunner both for its color and dramatic form. This cultivar draws the eye with intense red to purple foliage that's so bright it looks fake. Its leaves are slightly folded upwards and elegantly curve their way to the ground. The foliage are lined with tiny teeth. At maturity, this variety can reach 18.0" in height and 26.0" in diameter. This cultivar is a hybrid of Agave shawii and Manfreda longiflora.

Mangave are a relatively new phenomenon: a cross between Manfreda and Agave. These rare cultivars are expertly hybridized by Hans Hansen of Walters Gardens to combine the best of both parents. Though the have a similar form to a typical Agave, they are marked with spots and flush brilliant purple and red tones when grown in bright sun. Additionally, they grow about twice as fast as Agave and are far less spiny to the touch.

This variety will not survive a hard frost, but if there is a risk of freezing temperatures they can be brought indoors to grow temporarily on a sunny window sill or under a grow light. They thrive outdoors in partial to full sun with good drainage, i.e. gritty soil and containers with drainage holes. Mangave can tolerate a bit more shade and water than regular Agave, especially when they are establishing roots.