‘Mangave Red Wing’ is a captivating succulent hybrid, a cross between the genera Manfreda and Agave. It offers enhanced growth rate and distinct coloration. Its striking appearance makes it a popular ornamental choice for landscapes or container arrangements, providing a focal point with vibrant hues and architectural form.
Unique Characteristics
‘Mangave Red Wing’ forms a large rosette with thick, rigid, lance-shaped leaves that arc gracefully. The foliage displays deep burgundy-red to violet-red coloration, often mottled, which intensifies with UV light exposure.
The leaves are edged with creamy teeth and tipped with a cinnamon-colored spine. This cultivar reaches a mature size of 16 to 18 inches in height and spreads 24 to 26 inches wide. It exhibits a faster growth rate compared to traditional Agave varieties, while maintaining their structural qualities.
Essential Care Guide
Light Needs
‘Mangave Red Wing’ performs best in full sun, ideally receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Ample light encourages vibrant red coloration in its foliage. While it tolerates some partial shade, especially in hotter climates, reduced light levels can diminish its distinctive hues.
Watering
As a succulent, ‘Mangave Red Wing’ is drought-tolerant once established, but it benefits from regular watering during its active growing season in summer. Water deeply when the soil has completely dried out between applications. Avoid consistently wet conditions, as overwatering can lead to root rot. During winter, reduce watering significantly to keep the plant drier.
Soil Requirements
Well-drained soil is essential for ‘Mangave Red Wing’. The plant thrives in gritty, sandy, or loam-based mediums that allow water to pass freely. For container planting, a potting mix formulated for succulents is suitable. If using an all-purpose mix, incorporate sand or perlite to improve drainage and aeration.
Temperature and Hardiness
‘Mangave Red Wing’ is hardy in USDA Zones 9 through 11. In regions prone to hard frosts, it requires protection or should be brought indoors during colder periods. Maintaining temperatures above 60°F (15°C) is important for overwintering, along with providing sufficient light to prevent stretching.
Fertilization
This succulent is not a heavy feeder and thrives with minimal supplemental nutrients. A light application of a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer can be provided every two weeks during the spring and summer growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, and cease fertilization during the plant’s dormant winter period.
Planting and Landscaping Uses
‘Mangave Red Wing’ serves as an excellent focal point in various garden settings. It is well-suited for rock gardens, xeriscape designs, and Mediterranean-themed landscapes. The plant also performs well in containers, provided the pot is slightly wider than the rosette to allow for growth.
When planting multiple specimens, allow for spacing of 24 to 30 inches. Its architectural form makes it a good choice for beds and borders, adding textural interest. ‘Mangave Red Wing’ is resistant to both deer and rabbits.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Overwatering is a common problem for ‘Mangave Red Wing’, leading to root rot, indicated by mushy or discolored leaves. Shriveled leaves indicate underwatering.
Sunburn can occur from intense afternoon sun, appearing as scorched spots on the foliage. If grown indoors or in low-light conditions during winter, the distinctive red coloration may fade but intensifies with increased UV exposure.
Pests such as thrips, scale insects, mealybugs, and Eriophyid mites can affect ‘Mangave Red Wing’. Regular inspection allows for early detection and treatment, including manual removal or targeted solutions. Most Mangave varieties are monocarpic, flowering once and then declining, but they produce offsets (“pups”) around the base, ensuring continuation.