EVERGREEN
Aloe arborescens
FULL SUN
FROST HARDY
LOW WATER REQUIREMENTS
FAST GROWER
ATTRACTS BIRDS
ATTRACTS INSECTS
FLOWER COLOUR:
AVERAGE SIZE:
2m x 3m
FLOWERING TIME:
J F M A M J J A S O N D
FRUITING TIME:
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Aloe arborescens
DESCRIPTION
The Krantz Aloe makes an excellent focal point in a garden with its sculptural leaf form. The succulent leaves are blue-grey with a toothed margin. The attractive spikes of red, yellow or orange tubular flowers provide striking colour to a winter garden.
This is a wonderful shrub to use in a larger garden as it attracts birds, particularly sunbirds in winter. It also forms a protective screen so can be used to naturally secure property boundaries.
WILDLIFE & ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS
The flowers produce abundant nectar that attracts pollinating insects and birds.The dead, dried leaves provide a home to many insects which in turn, attract insectivorous birds such as woodhoopoes.
WATER REQUIREMENTS
ModerateMAINTENANCE
Low maintenance. It is a plant that can tolerate a fair amount of neglect.LANDSCAPING USES
When planted in a rockery, it provides an excellent focal point. It is also often planted as an informal security barrier along a fence.
GARDEN THEMES
Bushveld, Country, Grassland, Succulent
PESTS & DISEASES
Aloes are susceptible to leaf scale and rust. Attacks from the snout beetle can cause spotting of the leaves, and gall mites can cause aloe ‘cancer’.Some of these problems occur due to artificial growing conditions, e.g. over-watering.
The plants usually recover, however bad infestations may need to be treated.
6 responses
Hi Simon
Thanks for visiting Plantbook.
Depending on the growing environment, Aloe arborescens can be fast-growing.
Other drought-hardy options for you to consider are:-
– Euphorbia tirucalli (Firesticks)
– Crassula ovata (Jade plant)
– Dodonea angustifolia (Sand olive).
Flourish!
Glenice
Hi Glenice,
I want to plant a drought hardy shrub that is fast-growing, no larger than 2.5×2.5m. I’ve read about Aloe arborescens and it seems to fit this except for that aloes are usally slow growing compared to other shrubs. So what I really want to know is, how fast-growing is Aloe arborescens?
Hi Matthys
Thanks for visiting Plantbook.
Like most plants, Aloes also undergo transplant shock which may involve the leaves turning red.
Without seeing the plant, we cannot determine whether or not it is dead. This plant is however, extremely hardy and relatively easy to transplant.
Avoid over-watering and wishing you success.
Flourish!
Glenice
My allow Arborescens’s leaves turned reddish after replanting. Is it dead??
Hi Bessie
Thanks for visiting Plantbook.
It’s best to contact aloe growers for this information. If you’re in Gauteng, then try The Aloe Farm.
Flourish!
Glenice
Would like info. where to get different plants and how to work with ala vera to prepare for lotions and so forth