Van Gough, Monet, Hansen?
Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet, names that echo through art history as visionaries who, despite facing relative obscurity during their lifetimes, achieved unparalleled fame after death. Contemplating the modest success of Mangave from Hans Hansen, I can't help but draw parallels to these artist's work and wonder: when will the Mangave finally receive its well-deserved crown?
The Mangave: A Living Masterpiece
Hans Hansen, the green thumbed plant breeder with Walters Gardens stands toe to toe with the aforementioned painters but instead of oil and pigment, his hands are soiled with the dirt of Minnesota and battle scars from taming countless Agave. His canvas is not a traditional easel, but the vast fields of horticulture. Amid Hansen's achievements in botany emerges the Mangave—a living masterpiece poised for well-deserved recognition as arguably the most exceptional plant in contemporary times. Despite garnering acclaim within specialized circles, the Mangave's journey to claim its rightful title as the top plant is, frustratingly, still awaiting its crowning moment.
A Palette of Diversity
A relatively recent intergeneric cross of Manfreda x Agave, Mangave was first discovered and named by Carl Schoenfeld (Yucca Do Nursery) and Tony Avent (Plant Delights) in 2003, with further breeding undertaken by Hansen. What sets the Mangave apart is its diverse palette of colors and patterns. From striking variegation to subtle gradients, each Mangave cultivar is a living canvas, offering a kaleidoscope of choices for plant enthusiasts and landscapes. The plant's rosette structure, adorned with intricate leaf patterns and fibonoacci-esqe curves, adds an element of architectural elegance to any garden or landscape. So why isn't this treasure of a plant everywhere?
The Paradox of Succulent Breeding Under Snow
In almost comical fashion, with Hansen breeding in Minnesota and Tony Avent trialing hardiness in North Carolina winters, the Mangave's road to mainstream popularity is taking place in the strangest of places for a succulent. Thanks to the efforts of Tony Avent and his team at Plant Delights, many of the Mangave have been trialed to show tremendous cold hardiness, with over 25 hybrids surviving 20 degrees Fahrenheit. With now 20 years of breeding and trialing, this plant is ready for mainstream gardens in both cold climates and warm.
Spread the Word
Admittedly, this authors' plea for more recognition is purely one of self interest. Plant breeding, trialing, and marketing is an expensive business. There is no limit in the number of variations that these plants can exhibit, but without proper demand, these activities are hampered. The only thing that will bring us more of this amazing plant, is demand and dollars. I plea with you the reader, go out now and buy a Mangave. If your garden center does not carry it, demand they do. Tell your friends and family about this "King of the Plants". Place it at your front entryways for all to see! The journey into discovering the full spectrum of colors and shapes this plant can exhibit has just begun. With your support, I envision a future where I, alongside my children's children, can delight in acquiring the latest models of this remarkable plant.
Nathan Lambdin
Big Little Gardens, Raleigh NC
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