Mangave 'Mission to Mars,' a member of the MAD ABOUT MANGAVE® collection, affectionately nicknamed the Red Planet, has a distinctive charm that's all its own. This succulent tender perennial captivates with its basal rosette of long, fleshy, horizontally arched foliage. The 2 ¾-inch wide thick leaves feature margins that gracefully curl upward to reveal cinnamon spines and boast a unique overall color palette that includes overlapping burgundy red spotting that covers significant portions of the green leaves, creating an overall red appearance that intensifies when exposed to strong sunlight but is subtle when the plant is shaded or covered.
Mangave, born from the intergeneric cross of Manfreda x Agave, inherits the superior growth rate and fascinating patterns of Manfreda, coupled with the refined habit of Agave. 'Mission to Mars' grows at a moderate rate and matures into a compact plant, making it an exceptional specimen in small-space gardens. Whether adorning rock, alpine, and waterwise gardens or contributing character to xeriscapes, this versatile plant shines. Its excellence extends to being an outstanding container plant, suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings. For regions grappling with cold winters, a move indoors is advised, where temperatures above 60°F can be maintained.
Optimal conditions for mangave include a sunny location with dry to average, well-draining soil. While young plants appreciate moderate moisture, extremes of overly wet or extremely dry conditions should be avoided. Established plants exhibit excellent drought tolerance and should be kept slightly dry during winter. Caution is warranted against overly wet soil, as it may lead to crown and root rots that may ultimately kill the plant. Mangave 'Mission to Mars' resists deer and rabbits.
