Hardy Aloes
Aloe is a genus of about 450 species of succulent plants belonging to the Asphodelaceae family. Native to sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, and Arabia, Aloes are evergreen succulents with usually spiny leaves arranged in neat rosettes and spectacular, candle-like inflorescences bearing clusters of brilliant yellow, orange, or red tubular flowers. They exist in a wide range of sizes, colors and offer an amazing array of leaf shapes. Some make incredible landscape specimens, creating year-round interest. Smaller varieties are ideal for adding drama, texture, and color to containers. Easy care, waterwise, they brighten up the dull winter landscape and are fascinating.
Easy to grow, Aloes generally require soils with good drainage and do best in warm climates. Very low maintenance once established, they are well-adapted to arid conditions. Their succulent leaves enable them to survive long periods of drought. However, Aloes thrive and flower better when given adequate water during their growing season.
Most Aloes are frost-tender and cannot handle a hard freeze (several hours below 25ºF or -4ºC). The fluid within their succulent leaves would freeze and rot. However, some Aloes are remarkably hardy and can handle temperatures as cold as 20 ºF to 25ºF (-6ºC to -4ºC).
Remember, even cold-hardy aloes will need protection from extreme conditions. They do best in well-drained soil and should be protected from prolonged periods of heavy frost and snow. Also, consider the plant’s maturity, as mature aloes will generally be more cold-tolerant than young plants.
Growing aloes in pots is another option, as it allows you to move the plants indoors during the harshest part of winter. With proper care, these cold-hardy aloes can be a wonderful addition to a garden in a cooler climate.
Below is a list of Aloes considered the hardiest. However, remember that to survive cold temperatures, most Aloes must be planted in an area with excellent drainage. Few Aloes, such as Aloe arborescens or Aloe brevifolia, can tolerate wet soils. Therefore, dry soils during the winter months are critically important.
Hardiness |
8 - 11 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Cactus & Succulents |
Genus | Aloe |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden |
billperry / 123RF Banque d'images
Hardiness |
8 - 11 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Cactus & Succulents |
Genus | Aloe |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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