Aloe ferox
Bitter Aloe
Description
Cape aloe forms a dense 2'-3' clump of muted, green leaves borne on a tall trunk eventually to 12'. It has thick, wide fleshy leaves edged with prominent reddish-brown teeth. Dried leaves persist on the plant and offer sunburn protection. In late winter or early spring, the plant produces 3' candelabra spikes of intense orange red or even yellow tubular flowers. It grows in full sun to part shade. It suffers in reflected heat in the low desert. It is a South African native.
Plant Type
Succulent
Height Range
12-25'
Flower Color
Orange, Red
Flower Season
Spring, Summer
Leaf Color
Grey Green
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
n/a
Fruit Season
n/a
Sun
Full, Half
Water
Low
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil Type
Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular
Soil Condition
Average, Poor, Well-drained
Soil pH
Neutral
Adverse Factors
n/a
Design Styles
Mediterranean, Spanish, Tropical
Accenting Features
Silhouette, Specimen, Unusual Shape
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer
Location Uses
Background, Patio, Raised Planter, With Rocks
Special Uses
Container, Mass Planting
Attracts Wildlife
n/a
Water Saving Tip:
Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.