Agave undulata Purple passion

Mangave or Agave undulata 'Purple Passion' is an amazing hybrid resulting from the cross-breeding between an Agave and a Manfreda. It is a spectacular succulent plant, which forms a large rosette of wide, glossy-textured leaves. Foliage that will colour even more intensely when exposed to the sun. Drought-resistant but not very hardy, this plant is eye-catching when potted on the terrace. In seaside gardens or very mild climates, it will thrive in a rockery.

Mangave 'Purple Passion' belongs to the Agavaceae family, now included by botanists in the much larger Asparagaceae family. This plant develops quite rapidly into a well-filled rosette, 50 cm tall and about 60 cm wide, composed of numerous succulent leaves that are wide, long, and pointed. The leaves are gutter-shaped, tapering to a point, and bordered by small, slightly prickly thorns. Their shiny leaf is bronze-green in winter, gradually turning green-brown, purple, and aubergine violet in full sun. Flowering will occur in favourable climates on mature plants, from August to October. A branched flower spike bearing small star-shaped flowers emerges from the centre of the rosette. Mangaves are plants for dry, well-drained soil, capable of withstanding short frosts of around -5 to -7°C depending on the variety. They should be placed in full sun or at most partial shade in hot climates. The vegetation persists in winter.

To create exotic scenes in mild climates, Mangave 'Purple Passion' can be planted in a rockery, alongside other small agaves, sedums, or other differently coloured Mangaves. Collectors of cacti and other succulent plants can showcase it on the terrace or balcony by surrounding it with pots filled with houseleeks.