Mangaves make eye-catching plants for display in a conservatory or on the patio with striking spikey leaves and fast growing, architectural form, a tight rosette of evergreen foliage, pointed leaves have tiny spines like a fine comb. The centre of the rosette is a smoky purple, with flecks of burgundy forming a two-toned effect with the surrounding dark green leaves. Mangave is a hybrid cross between an Agave and Manfreda, hardier than an Agave and growing faster with a fuller, tighter rosette. Drought tolerant, it will require little water, it can be grown outside all year in areas with very mild winters such as coastal and the city but like most tender perennials will need to be over wintered in a frost-free greenhouse or conservatory.