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.
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
Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems. Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.