Mangave 'Mission to Mars'

Not as recent marketing would have you believe a plant that has been created for men, but rather a new and exciting development in succulent breeding that is taking the gardening world by storm.

A cross between the Manfreda and the Agave, Mangaves are becoming increasingly popular as the interest in Xeric landscaping grows - the process of gardening that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental moisture from watering.

Manfredas have rosettes of coloured leaves branching from a very short stem, often with creamy, tubular flowers at the end of a long stalk. Agaves on the other hand are well known for their strong succulent leaves that form large rosettes. These interesting hybrids combine the best features of both types: the better growth rate and the interesting patterns and colours of Manfreda, and the habit and refinement of Agave.

Varieties can be spotted, blotched or plain green in various shades and with an interesting texture, they can be a bit pointy, but definitely not as prickly as a cactus. Some of the varieties have really interesting leaf shape too, from slim and long to short and broad and wavy or straight too.

'Mission to Mars' is a striking variety of Mangave with intense red coloration to the leaves which gives rise to its name. The thick green leaves are heavily speckled with burgundy red and form a gently arching habit with margins that curl upward. This highlights the cinnamon-coloured spines giving the plant an appearance much like a tropical bromeliad.

Compact in growth and visually stunning, Mangaves make a perfect patio plant, sitting happily in a pot through the summer on your decking or balcony, they will then make a perfect houseplant through the winter in a bright room.

All varieties should be watered only sparingly as they are ideally suited to dessert, arid conditions and are lovers of warm temperatures - they make an ideal specimen for a greenhouse or as a houseplant for a bright rooms - indeed anything less than 65°F will result in the plant becoming dormant.

Supplied as an established plant in a 15cm pot, ready for immediate potting on. Eventual height and width: 25cm x 55cm (10 x 22in).