Questions with Hans Hansen

How long have you been working with Mangave? What about this plant caught your eye?

I have been hybridizing Mangave prior to working at Walters Gardens in 2009. The first role was propagating a selection made by Carl Schoenfeld of Yucca Do Nursery in tissue culture, and soon after hybridizing them. Working with Mangave has been very rewarding, as the growth rate is much faster than Agave, and the color patterns that the Manfreda bring increases the palette greatly. The fast rate of growth and diversity of foliage color caught my attention.

What is game changing about the Mangave cross? How are these different from their Agave parents?

The rate of growth compared to Agave, the more user-friendly aspect (if the cross is more like a Manfreda, it will have fewer spines and marginal teeth). They seem much more forgiving on moisture requirements than either parent. They do have a low water requirement, however, they also do very well with moderate average watering than folks would experience in the southeastern U.S. (Florida). Faster growing, more diversity of leaf color, and moisture tolerance makes the Mangave different from their Agave parents.

How many varieties of Mangave are there now? What are some of the most notable or surprising crosses?

We offer about 35 varieties in the Mad About Mangave collection. We are continually breeding Mangave and adding new and exciting varieties, and replacing or upgrading the selections. ‘Praying Hands’ is a very popular selection with an artichoke-like appearance, having leaves that curl upward. ‘Night Owl’ and ‘Black Magic’ have nearly black leaves, ‘Mission to Mars’, ‘Red Wing’ and ‘Blazing Saddles’ have red foliage. New breeding lines are producing variegated foliage, which is very exciting.

How do Mangave fit into the market? What class of plants do they fall into?

Mangave are embraced by a side segment of gardeners. They make great landscape plants where they are hardy, great for adding structure in the landscape for seasonal interest, and work well as potted plants for patio and container display. With the architectural foliage and structure, they are perfect for urns, and have seen very effective use in hanging baskets and face planters. Mangave have been embraced by the Millennials and they are collecting them and having fun posting pictures on social media. What class of plants do they fall into? They are succulents, but are also perennials, houseplants, and seasonal plants. Many folks have commented that they can go on vacation and not worry about their patio and container plants if they use Mangave, rather than if they used petunias and other annuals that need more care.

What is the one thing you should know if you are going to add Mangave to your lineup?

Their growth rate is faster than agave, their colors are much more pronounced with full sun rather than UV protection (polycovering), and they are addicting.

For more: waltersgardens.com