Silver Fox Mangave, MAD ABOUT MANGAVE® Collection
Mangave ‘Silver Fox’ 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 ‘Silver Fox’ is sure to capture attention and admiration.
Mangave ‘Silver Fox’ is an exquisite hybrid succulent that combines the durability of Agave with the unique characteristics of Manfreda. This plant is particularly admired for its striking silver-gray foliage, which adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any garden or container. The leaves are thick, broad, and slightly undulating, forming a stunning rosette that captures light beautifully. The combination of its color, texture, and form makes Mangave ‘Silver Fox’ a standout addition to any succulent collection.
Native: Mangave ‘Silver Fox’ 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 ‘Silver Fox’ is a perennial succulent with a rosette-forming habit. The plant grows in a symmetrical, compact manner, making it ideal for various garden settings.
Size: Mangave ‘Silver Fox’ typically reaches a height of 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) and spreads 16 to 18 inches (40 to 45 cm) wide.
Foliage: The foliage of Mangave ‘Silver Fox’ is its most distinctive feature. Like the white fur of a silver fox, this succulent appears nearly white at first glance. In reality, it is a light green covered with a thick, waxy coating that gives it a glowing appearance. Light blue-purple spots are present beneath the coating but are mostly unnoticeable from a distance. Beyond its striking color, ‘Silver Fox’ features a magnificent habit with thick, arching leaves and well-defined marginal teeth.
Uses: Mangave ‘Silver Fox’ 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 ‘Silver Fox’ 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 ‘Silver Fox’ 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 ‘Silver Fox’ 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 ‘Silver Fox’ 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 ‘Silver Fox’ 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 ‘Silver Fox’ is resistant to deer and rabbits, reducing the likelihood of damage from these animals.
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.
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 | 16" - 18" (40cm - 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 | Mediterranean Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden |
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 | 16" - 18" (40cm - 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 | Mediterranean Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden |
How many Mangave ‘Silver Fox’ do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Mangave ‘Silver Fox’ | N/A | Buy Plants |
Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!
Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!