You’ll dream of faraway galaxies when you eye Mission to Mars Mangave. Its unique thick foliage radiates intense colors. Although its 2 3/4″ wide, thick leaves are green, they are heavily speckled with hues of wine red, with spots that bleed into each other, creating a red appearance. Adding more interest, the long leaves form an arching habit, caused by the tips of the leaves curving downward, and the margins curl upward to show off its cinnamon spines.

Growing instructions: Mangave is a tender perennial or succulent plant that grows best in full sun. Plant in well-drained, dry to average soil in containers just slightly wider than the width of the rosette or plant directly in the ground. In summer when the plants are actively growing, they appreciate a bit of supplemental watering and half-strength fertilizer. Plants should stay inside in spring until evening cold is above 60 F. Bring inside in early fall before temps drop below 60 F. Some mangave cultivars flower more readily than others. When they flower, the plant that the flower came from will eventually die, but pups are sent out around the base that will perpetuate the plant. These pups can be divided off and replanted.