RHS Chelsea Flower Show seems a long time ago now, but whilst there I saw the Mangave Mad about Mangave ® 'Praying Hands' PBR (short snappy title) and immediately fell in love with it.
and I did something I do not routinely do, I rather cheekily asked Thompson and Morgan if I could have one to review. Delightfully they said yes and plant arrived quickly. I have not paid for this plant nor have I been paid to write this review. My words and opinions are my own.
The plant I received is smaller than the one that was in the running for the RHS Plant of the Year Award 2024. The Mangave came in third, the winner did deserve to win, but the Mangave deserved to win too. There can be only one as that scottish chap would say. I waited for a few weeks before posting my review as I wanted to see how easy this plant is to grow. It says on the website that it is easy.
I decided to pot the Mangave on to a slightly bigger pot. I always take care doing this with succulents as it needs to retain good drainage and too big a pot risks the plant sitting with soggy roots. Firstly I did put the plant outside as it says it is a half-hardy perennial. This summer has been chilly at times and very soggy, so I decided it was probably best to bring it back indoors for now.
Here we are seven weeks later and it is definite that the Mangave has grown. It feels like it has also relaxed into the plant pot.
There is the excitement of newly emerging leaves (leaf seems an odd term for these thick spikey plants, but apparently it is correct). The colour is also really developing nicely. It has taken on this lovely glaucous almost petrolly-blue colour with hints of green. The edges are lovely and red as are the sharp as sharp tips.
and look at the root that is poking out of the bottom (it didn't wiggle, it is a root). It is not in need of potting on yet, as said above over-enthusiastic potting on is a recipe for disaster and I want to keep this plant alive.
I absolutely love this plant, it is truly easy to grow; it has now shown any diva-ish tendancies, has not curled up or rotted or died. It has become an excellent addition to my small but much-loved succulent and cactus collection. I am keeping all my fingers and toes crossed that it does reach the beauty of the show-plant. It apparently will grow to be 8 inches high and 14 inches wide - how exciting is that!! I will keep updating as to progress.