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Mangave ‘Bad Hair Day’

Bad Hair Day Mangave, ART & SOL™ Collection

Mangave 'Bad Hair Day', Bad Hair Day Mangave, Succulent, Perennial Succulent
Mangave 'Bad Hair Day', Bad Hair Day Mangave, Succulent, Perennial Succulent
Mangave 'Bad Hair Day', Bad Hair Day Mangave, Succulent, Perennial Succulent
Mangave 'Bad Hair Day', Bad Hair Day Mangave, Succulent, Perennial Succulent
Mangave 'Bad Hair Day', Bad Hair Day Mangave, Succulent, Perennial Succulent

Mangave ‘Bad Hair Day’ is a versatile and visually striking plant that offers numerous benefits for gardeners looking to add a unique and playful element to their landscapes. Its distinctive appearance, combined with its low maintenance needs and adaptability, make it a standout choice for a variety of garden settings. Whether used as a focal point in a rock garden, a striking addition to a succulent border, or a dramatic feature in a container, Mangave ‘Bad Hair Day’ is sure to capture attention and admiration.

Mangave ‘Bad Hair Day’: An In-depth Look

Mangave ‘Bad Hair Day’ is a captivating and whimsical hybrid succulent that combines the best traits of the Agave and Manfreda genera. This unique plant is named for its wild and unruly foliage that mimics the look of a “bad hair day.” The leaves are long, narrow, and curly, arching in various directions to create a playful, tousled appearance. The foliage is primarily lime green, but it may develop reddish or purplish hues when exposed to bright sunlight. This hybrid is perfect for gardeners looking to add a touch of humor and visual interest to their succulent collection.

Native: Mangave ‘Bad Hair Day’ is not naturally occurring in the wild, as it is a cultivated hybrid. Its parent plants, Agave and Manfreda, are native to the arid and semi-arid regions of North and Central America, particularly Mexico and the southwestern United States. It belongs to the asparagus family (Asparagaceae), along with agaves, hostas, and the delightfully fragrant tuberose.

Plant Type and Habit: Mangave ‘Bad Hair Day’ is a perennial succulent with a rosette-forming habit. The plant grows in a compact, yet sprawling manner, with its long, curly leaves extending outward from the center. Its growth habit is somewhat chaotic, giving it a distinctive and playful look that makes it stand out in any garden or container.

Size: Mangave ‘Bad Hair Day’ typically reaches a height of 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) and spreads 18 to 20 inches (45 to 50 cm) wide. The compact size makes it an excellent choice for container gardening, rock gardens, and borders.

Foliage: The foliage of Mangave ‘Bad Hair Day’ is its most distinctive feature. Like a head of hair, this plant has narrow, flat lime green leaves that arch gracefully. Each leaf blade features light blush red spotting, with a distinct blush towards the tips, adding to its unique appearance.

Uses: Mangave ‘Bad Hair Day’ is primarily used as an ornamental plant. Its unique appearance makes it a standout choice for rock gardens, succulent gardens, and borders. It also performs well in containers, allowing for versatile placement in patios, balconies, and indoor spaces. The plant’s low maintenance requirements and drought tolerance make it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.

Hardiness: Mangave ‘Bad Hair Day’ is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11 and thrives in temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). It prefers warm climates and should be protected from frost.

Toxicity: Like many members of the Agave family, Mangave ‘Bad Hair Day’ contains sap that can be irritating to the skin and mucous membranes. It is advisable to handle the plant with care, wearing gloves to avoid contact with the sap. Pets (dogs, cats): harmful if eaten.

Deer and Rabbit: Generally resistant to deer and rabbits.

Drought: Mangave ‘Bad Hair Day’ is highly drought-tolerant, an essential trait inherited from its Agave parentage. The plant stores water in its thick leaves, allowing it to survive prolonged periods without rainfall. It thrives in dry, well-draining soil and requires minimal supplemental watering once established.

Invasiveness: Mangave ‘Bad Hair Day’ is not considered invasive. It grows slowly and remains relatively contained within its planting area. While it can produce offsets, these can be easily managed or transplanted to new locations.

Benefits: The primary benefits of Mangave ‘Bad Hair Day’ include its unique and attractive appearance, low maintenance requirements, and adaptability to various garden settings. The plant’s drought tolerance makes it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and water-wise gardening. Additionally, Mangave ‘Bad Hair Day’ is resistant to deer and rabbits, reducing the likelihood of damage from these animals.

Mangave Growing Tips

Light: Prefers full sun. Needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth.

Soil: Requires well-draining soil, such as cactus or succulent mix. Adding sand or perlite can improve drainage.

Water: Water sparingly; allow soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant.

Fertilizer: Feed with a diluted, balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leggy growth.

Pruning: Pruning is not necessary. Remove any dead or damaged parts as needed.

Pests and Diseases: Generally pest-resistant but watch for pests like mealybugs or scale insects. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure proper drainage.

Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 11
Plant Type Cactus & Succulents
Plant Family Asparagaceae
Genus Mangave
Common names Mangave
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 8" - 10" (20cm - 25cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 20" (50cm - 50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil, Deer, Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Mangave ‘Frosted Elegance’
Mangave ‘Racing Stripes’
Mangave ‘Thunderbird’
Mangave ‘Mayan Queen’
Mangave ‘Sponge Paint’
Mangave ‘Pineapple Punch’

Recommended Companion Plants

Agave
Aeonium
Echeveria
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 11
Plant Type Cactus & Succulents
Plant Family Asparagaceae
Genus Mangave
Common names Mangave
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 8" - 10" (20cm - 25cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 20" (50cm - 50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil, Deer, Rabbit
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Mangave: A Versatile Hybrid Succulent to pick?
Compare Now

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