×Mangave 'Blue Fountain'
A Mangave (more properly written as ×Mangave, with the × indicating that it is not a true genus, but rather a cross between 2 genera) is a hybrid between an Agave and a Manfreda, and they have become widely available in horticulture over the last decade. Some authors think that Manfreda should be included within a larger concept of Agave, and under this naming system these plants would simply be agaves. In any case, the plants named as Manfreda have softer and more pliable leaves than other agaves, and often they have purplish-red spots - a trait that the other agaves never display. A large part of the impetus for making the hybrids has been to get plants with a bold agave-like form, and also attractive spots. In the case of my hybrid 'Blue Fountaiin', the reddish spots are subtle on the new leaves, but show up well on the lower older leaves. But what I really like about it is its upright growth habit, reminding me of a fountain. It is a cross between Agave parrasana and a Manfreda hybrid that I had done earlier.
-Brian
