Botanical Name: Aloe arborescens
Common Name: Krantz aloe

 

Use : Outdoors
Indigenous/Exotic : Indigenous
Evergreen/Deciduous : Evergreen
Plant Type : Succulent
Flower Colour : Yellow, red or orange
Foliage Colour : Grey green to bright green
Best Season : Winter
Light : Sun
Hardiness : Semi-hardy
Attributes : Winter Colour, Water Wise, Attracts Birds and Bees
Height (m) : 2 - 3
Spread (m) : up to 2
    
Notes A very rewarding South African plant, especially in winter when the flowers add a fiery glow to an otherwise drab garden. Bees and Sugar birds will be attracted to the nectar rich flowers.

 

Cultivation:
Easy to grow, requiring very little care. Plant in well drained, rich soil in ample sun. The plants will benefit from a regular mulch of compost. Can withstand long periods of drought, but they will thrive and flower more profusely if watered in the correct season. Can be grown almost anywhere in the country, but prefer warmer climates. Only a few species can withstand severe frost.

 

Pests and Diseases:
Incorrect watering, poor drainage or too much shade can lead to attack by pests and diseases. Stressed plants are susceptible to white scale, aloe cancer, aloe rust and the aloe snout beetle.

 

Uses:
Well suited to a rock garden, on a sloping bank or even in containers. Plant in bold clumps.

 

Propagation:
Most tree and shrub species are propagated from stem cuttings, which are allowed to dry for a couple of days and then can be planted in situ. Propagation from seed is reasonably easy, but the plants will take longer to reach maturity.

 

Groups:
Tree Aloes, Single-Stemmed Aloes, Multi-Stemmed Aloes, Rambling Aloes, Creeping Aloes, Stemless Aloes, Speckled Aloes, Spotted Aloes, Dwarf Aloes and Grass Aloes

 

Aloe arborescens forms a dense, shrubby bush. The sickle-shaped leaves are armed with teeth. The flowers appear freely from May to July and are usually red. The colour of the flowers may also be yellow or orange, depending on the locality. Hybridises readily with other species of Aloe.