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Mangave ‘Purple People Eater’

Purple People Eater Mangave, MAD ABOUT MANGAVE® Collection

Mangave 'Purple People Eater', Purple People Eater Mangave, Succulent, Perennial Succulent
Mangave 'Purple People Eater', Purple People Eater Mangave, Succulent, Perennial Succulent
Mangave 'Purple People Eater', Purple People Eater Mangave, Succulent, Perennial Succulent
Mangave 'Purple People Eater', Purple People Eater Mangave, Succulent, Perennial Succulent

Mangave ‘Purple People Eater’ is a versatile and visually striking plant that offers numerous benefits for gardeners looking to add a unique and sophisticated 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 ‘Purple People Eater’ is sure to capture attention and admiration.

Mangave ‘Purple People Eater’: An In-depth Look

Mangave ‘Purple People Eater’ is a captivating hybrid succulent that brings together the most desirable traits of Agave and Manfreda. This plant is renowned for its distinctive and dramatic foliage, which showcases a deep purple coloration with dark spots that intensify with sunlight exposure. The leaves are long, broad, and form a symmetrical rosette, creating an eye-catching focal point in any garden or container. The combination of rich color and unique texture makes ‘Purple People Eater’ a standout addition to any succulent collection.

Native: Mangave ‘Purple People Eater’ 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 and hostas.

Plant Type and Habit: Mangave ‘Purple People Eater’ is a perennial succulent with a compact, rosette-forming habit. The plant grows in a symmetrical, low-growing form that makes it suitable for a variety of garden settings.

Size: Mangave ‘Purple People Eater’ typically reaches a height of 12 to 16 inches (30 to 40 cm) and spreads about 16 to 24 inches (40 to 60 cm) wide. The compact size makes it an excellent choice for container gardening, rock gardens, and borders.

Foliage: The foliage of Mangave ‘Purple People Eater’ is its most distinctive feature. It forms a neat rosette of thick, sturdy blue-green leaves with reddish-purple spots that appear purple from a distance. Full sun enhances the coloration, while less sun turns the leaves greener. Margins fold upward, revealing yellow, orange, and cinnamon brown spines. At the end of each leaf, there is a cinnamon terminal spine.

Uses: Mangave ‘Purple People Eater’ 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 ‘Purple People Eater’ 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 ‘Purple People Eater’ 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 ‘Purple People Eater’ 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 ‘Purple People Eater’ 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 ‘Purple People Eater’ 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 ‘Purple People Eater’ 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 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 16" - 24" (40cm - 60cm)
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 Mediterranean Garden, Gravel and Rock 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 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 16" - 24" (40cm - 60cm)
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 Mediterranean Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Mangave: A Versatile Hybrid Succulent to pick?
Compare Now

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