The Fast-Growing Plant That Can Handle The Heat And Makes Any Garden More Unique

If you garden in a fairly hot climate, no doubt you're familiar with many of the succulent species that can easily handle these conditions without the need for constant pampering. You've probably already adopted the xeriscaping trend and know how it can help your garden in a drought. Popular genera like Agave and the former Manfreda possess an easygoing manner and just get on with growing without too much interference from you. (Manfreda species were renamed and are now all known as Agaves too.) 

However, the two genera, while having their similarities, also had differences. One of the most notable differences was that the former Manfreda plants are much faster growers than their Agave cousins. But as the plants are quite similar, it made sense to try and hybridize them, and so the mangave was born. This is definitely a fast-growing succulent to consider growing in your yard. 

Since that very first hybrid, a whole plethora of different mangave cultivars has been created, with fascinating and diverse forms and colorways. They all share the refined structure of Agaves, along with the faster growth rate and colors of the plants previously known as Manfreda. What's even more exciting for xeriscape gardeners is that these plants absolutely love the heat, and there are so many of them to choose from that they can easily add a stunning uniqueness to any arid landscape. On top of that, they have the most interesting names, like 'Bad Hair Day,' 'Mission to Mars,' and 'Navajo Princess.'

When you're ready to embrace a more unique vibe in your garden and add some color to your collection of drought-tolerant, silver foliage plants that can beat the heat, why not start with the mangave 'Bad Hair Day.' This intriguing plant looks a little like a ponytail palm without a trunk. It sports lime green leaves with blush splotches that cascade down from the central rosette. It's a little more cold-hardy than other cultivars and can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 7 through 11. 

For an alluring variation that does look like it could come from another plant, take a look at 'Mission to Mars.' The most impressive feature of this plant is that the leaves can be green in low light with only patches of red, but when exposed to bright sunshine, they turn a charming dark crimson color. This hybrid is hardy only in zones 9 through 11.

Another unusual specimen is the mangave 'Navajo Princess.' This attractive cultivar has broad, dark blue-green leaves with a cream outline and can be grown in zones 9 through 11. Finally, for a little sculptural interest, take a peek at 'Catch a Wave' and 'Night Owl.' Both these specimens have broad leaves with wavy or curved edges and will also thrive in zones 9 through 11. Like most other succulents, mangaves do best in full sun and appreciate really well-drained soil that's allowed to dry before it gets more water.