ISI 2018-28. ×Mangave ‘Lavender Lady’ H. Hansen

This is another Hans Hansen hybrid (also patented), which builds upon prior hybridization work. One of the parents, Mangave ‘Bloodspot’, is one of the first Manfreda x Agave hybrids to appear on the horticultural scene a decade or more ago. It is thought to be a cross of Japanese origin of Agave macroacantha and Manfreda maculosa, and, indeed, the compact symmetrical form (rosettes to about 30 cm diameter) of the former and the purple spotted foliage of the latter combines plausibly in the hybrid. Hans crossed this with Agave attenuata which lends slightly larger stature and a smooth textured suavity to ‘Lavender Lady’. The leaves have finely white-toothed margins, are covered with small red freckles, and blush lavender as the cultivar name implies. We offer HBG 128628, plants from tissue culture courtesy of Walter’s Gardens, Michigan. $15.