Mangave Bloodspot

x Mangave 'Bloodspot' is an ancient Japanese hybrid resulting from the cross-breeding between Agave macroacantha and, probably, Manfreda maculosa. The agave has passed on its evergreen vegetation in a remarkably architectural rosette, as well as a very lively temperament, and Manfreda contributes its magnificent pictorial colour ranging from red to purple on a grey-blue background, with less sharp red spines and faster growth. Drought-resistant but not very hardy, it will make a great impression in a pot on a terrace, all year round. In seaside or mild climate gardens, it will thrive in a rockery.

x Mangave 'Bloodspot' belongs to the Asparagaceae family. This plant develops quite quickly into a regular rosette, 30cm (12in) tall and 35cm (14in) wide, composed of numerous succulent leaves that are fairly short and wide. The leaves are thick, shaped like gutters, tapering to a point, and edged with small, not very sharp red spines that are very decorative. Their shiny lamina is heavily spotted with purple. Young leaves have a light green background, while older leaves are greyish blue-green. Flowering will occur in favourable climates on mature plants, from August to October. From the centre of the rosette emerges a ramified flower stalk bearing small white star-shaped flowers. This hybrid produces many offsets after flowering. Mangaves are plants for dry, well-drained soil, capable of withstanding short frosts of around -5 to -7°C (23 to 19.4°F), depending on the varieties. They should be planted in full sun or, at most, partial shade in hot climates. The vegetation persists throughout winter.

To create exotic scenes in mild climates, x Mangave 'Bloodspot' can be planted in a rockery, alongside other small agaves such as Agave montana, differently coloured Mangaves, small agapanthus, or grasses like Carex comans 'Milk Chocolate' or Stipa tenuifolia. Collectors of cacti and other succulent plants can highlight it on a patio or balcony by surrounding it with pots filled with sempervivums.