Discover Enchanting Mangaves at Walters Gardens

Mangave: Unique Succulent Creations

Mangave Garden at Walters Gardens

I recently went on a trip to visit Walters Gardens in Zeeland, Michigan. If you aren't familiar with Walters Gardens, they are a perennial plant wholesale grower since 1946.

My travels took me to Walters Gardens because I had been invited on a Proven Winners brand trip and Walters Gardens was hosting this amazing experience. One of the things we did was get tours of the display gardens at Walters Gardens.

First stop on the garden tour, the Mangave garden. I will admit, I do not know a whole lot about this plant. I primarily grow plants I can use for cut flowers. I have to say, after visiting the Mangave garden, I am really wanting to add a few to my gardens now due to their unique looks. 

What are Mangave?

Mangave are unique succulent creations. They are a cross between the genus Manfreda and Agave. This website article from Walters Gardens goes into better detail than I can give plus there are a lot of really interesting photos. 

As my tour began, my eye was immediately drawn to the huge Mangave throughout the gardens. I learned on my tour that most of the Mangave had to be dug up in the winter, in Zeeland, Michigan where they were growing, and overwintered in pots in a less cold environment. 

Mangave 'Aztec Treasure' immediately caught my eye first. I love the red splotches with a painted illusion over the yellow and green foliage.

'Inkblot' Mangave

Walking ahead, I came to this Mangave and thought to myself "Ok, I want THIS one!". I believe it was called an inkblot manage.  The foliage was nothing like Id ever seen before. The red blotches resemble blog as if it just went to battle with a Japanese beetle. ha!

I could see this plant being paired with a short, yellow flowering sedum to make for a really eye opening garden view. 

It was then that I realized just how striking Mangave can be! Not just spiky or architectural, but full of unexpected color and personality.

Each variety seemed to tell its own story through patterns, spots, and textures, almost like living pieces of art scattered throughout the garden.

Mangave 'Praying Hands'

When I came across Mangave ‘Praying Hands’, I had to stop and take a closer look. Its upright, folded leaves really do look like hands pressed together! It felt sculptural, almost like something you’d see in a modern art exhibit.

What I love most about this variety is how different it is from the wide, open rosettes of the other Mangaves. The vertical form makes it such a statement plant, and I could instantly picture it in a sleek container on a patio or mixed into a rock garden for contrast.

Look at the tree in the background. It looks like it has its limbs out wide, like we do when we are going to give someone a hug. It looks like the tree is about to hug the Mangave, doesn't it?! 

What really stood out to me in these shots was the contrast. The Mangave staying low and architectural in the foreground while the trees in the background stretched tall and textured. Together, they created such a layered look, almost like the garden was painted with different heights and patterns...or should I say planted with different heights and patterns. I am quite sure that was the plan with planting this space because the minds at Walters Gardens are brilliant! 

Mangave 'Life on Mars'

Mangave ‘Life on Mars’ immediately stopped me in my tracks. Its bold red leaves, flecked with hints of yellow and green, make it feel almost otherworldly, like a plant you’d expect to find on another planet (maybe hints the name!?!). The color is so vibrant it practically glows against the garden backdrop.

What makes this variety even more impressive is its sheer size. Towering over many of the surrounding plants, it’s a showstopper in every sense, commanding attention while still feeling perfectly at home among the other Mangaves. I could instantly picture it as the centerpiece of a modern succulent or desert-inspired garden.

Walters Gardens is a perennial wholesale grower. This blog post digs in at the journey of a perennial plant from wholesale to retail. At the link below, you can see the Mangave that they are currently offering. Even if you are a retail customer, I urge you to visit Walters Gardens website for the large amount of learning that can be done there. Click on plant varieties and read all about them. They website is truly a wealth of plant learning information!

Walters Gardens Mangave Varieties

As the tour wrapped up, I couldn’t resist snapping one final landscape shot that was the back of the Mangave garden. Even without Mangave in view, the tall, slender trees rising behind the lush perennial hibiscus reminded me why I love garden design. The way height, texture, and color all come together to create layers of beauty and interest. It was the perfect ending to an inspiring visit to this garden, leaving me with ideas I can’t wait to bring into my own garden.

I also captured a quick one-minute video of the Mangave garden to give you a better feel for the space. Watching the plants from different angles really shows off their unique shapes, colors, and textures. You can almost see how they interact with the light throughout the day. It’s a fun way to experience the garden beyond the photos!

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_r_AsmIUifE?si=oHVivdUfGPdXWC-1

Visiting the Mangave garden at Walters Gardens was such an inspiring experience. From the bold colors of Life on Mars to the sculptural form of Praying Hands, each plant showcased the beauty and creativity possible with these hybrids. Even if you’re new to Mangave like I am, it’s easy to see why they captivate gardeners and designers alike. I left feeling inspired to try new plant combinations, experiment with texture and color, and bring a little of that garden magic into my own space.