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Aloe

Aloes

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.

What is Aloe?

Aloe is a genus of about 450 species of succulent plants belonging to the Asphodelaceae family.

Description: Aloes range from small miniatures, a few inches high, to tall trees. Their usually thick leaves are lance-shaped, smooth, bumpy or prickled and are lined along their edges with usually sharp, but sometimes soft, teeth. The leaves of many Aloes redden when the plants are stressed by drought, cold, or more sun or less rich soil that it requires.

Flowers: Unlike most Agaves which die after blooming, Aloes flower every year in candle-like or cone-shaped inflorescences, usually packed with tubular flowers that are brightly colored in shades of red, orange, and yellow and occasionally cream, green, pink, or white. Most Aloes flower in winter, while some groups, like the grass aloes, usually flower in spring or summer.

Lifespan: Aloes are mostly long-lived plants, especially larger species. Some exceptionally tall specimens of Aloe marlothii are said to be over 200 years old!

Hardiness: Most aloes are considered to be hardy in USDA hardiness zones 9-11, which means they can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F (-6°C). However, the specific hardiness of an aloe plant can vary depending on the species and cultivar. Some aloes are quite cold-hardy.

Uses: Aloes are terrific for beds and borders, rock gardens, succulent gardens or Mediterranean gardens. They are ideal as accent plants and highly decorative in containers. Large Aloes are spectacular landscape plants. They can create a stunning focal point or a striking backdrop. Combine them with smaller Aloe species in the foreground and add some of their favorite companion plants, such as low succulent groundcovers (Senecio mandraliscae) and sedums. Complement with Agaves and Opuntia cacti to add texture and a sculptural presence to the Mediterranean or drought-tolerant gardens. Their natural adaptation to harsh and often arid climates makes Aloes superb subjects for the water-wise garden.

Pollinators: Filled with nectar, the brightly colored flowers of Aloes are regularly visited by pollinating birds and insects and a welcome food source during the winter.

Deer and Rabbit: Their sharp thorns and spines, as well as usually bitter leaf sap, are good deterrents for many herbivores, including deer and rabbits.

Toxicity: Some species of Aloe plants can be toxic to humans and pets if ingested. The sap or gel found in the leaves of certain Aloe species may cause irritation, gastrointestinal discomfort, or allergic reactions. It is important to handle Aloe plants cautiously and keep them out of reach of children and pets.

Endangered: All species of Aloe (except for Aloe vera) appear in the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, meaning that trade in aloe is controlled to prevent utilization that would be incompatible with their survival.

Why Should I Grow Aloe?

Growing aloe plants, specifically Aloe Vera, can have multiple benefits:

Ease of Growing: Aloe is a succulent, and like most succulents, it’s hardy and requires little water or attention, which makes it easy to grow for gardeners of all experience levels.

Medicinal Uses: Aloe Vera is well-known for its medicinal properties. The gel inside the leaves can be used topically to soothe burns, sunburns, and skin irritations.

Indoor Air Purification: According to NASA’s Clean Air Study, Aloe Vera is effective at improving indoor air quality by removing benzene and formaldehyde from the air.

Drought Tolerance: Aloe plants are incredibly water-efficient and can survive in dry conditions, making them excellent for xeriscaping or for growing in regions with water restrictions.

Ornamental Value: With its distinct rosette of fleshy, pointed leaves and periodic stalk of yellow or orange flowers, aloe can be an attractive addition to a succulent dish garden or a desert-themed landscape.

Edible and Nutritional: Some Aloe species have edible parts and are used in drinks and as fresh food. It’s a good source of vitamins and can have potential antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Attracts Pollinators: When Aloe plants bloom, they attract hummingbirds and bees, thus supporting local biodiversity.

Remember, while aloe has many benefits, the plant can be toxic to pets if ingested, so it’s essential to consider this if you have pets that may try to eat your plants. Always consult a healthcare professional before using aloe or any other plant for medicinal purposes.

Guide Information

Hardiness 9 - 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, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden

Popular Aloes for the Garden or Containers

Garden Design with Aloe

Designing a garden with aloe plants can create a unique, low-maintenance, and visually interesting landscape. Here are some tips for a garden design with aloe:

Desert Theme: Aloe plants are native to desert regions, so they fit well in a desert-themed garden. Pair them with other succulents, desert grasses, and rocks for a natural, arid landscape look. The different forms, colors, and textures of these plants can create a visually appealing contrast.

Container Gardening: Aloe Vera, being a relatively small plant, is perfect for container gardening. You can arrange several pots of aloe with different heights and widths to create a dynamic display. This is especially useful for small spaces like patios or balconies.

Rock Gardens: Aloe plants blend seamlessly into rock gardens. The fleshy green of the aloe contrasts well with the gray or brown of rocks, making each plant stand out.

Borders and Edges: Aloe plants can make effective borders or edges along a walkway, deck, or garden bed. Their distinct shape and form add structural interest.

Indoor Gardening: Aloe plants are also an excellent choice for indoor gardening. A well-drained pot on a sunny windowsill can make for a minimalistic and clean decoration.

Xeriscaping: If you live in a region with a water shortage, aloes are a great choice for xeriscaping – a landscaping method that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water.

Remember to give aloe plenty of sunlight, and be careful not to overwater – their biggest threat is typically root rot from overwatering or poor drainage. With these considerations, you can create a beautiful aloe garden design that’s also easy to maintain.

Companion Plants

Aloe plants are hardy, drought-tolerant succulents that blend well with various other plants that have similar care requirements. When selecting companion plants for aloe, consider plants that enjoy well-drained soil and full to partial sun. Here are a few plants that pair well with aloe:

Succulents and Cacti: Other types of succulents and cacti, like Sedum, Echeveria, Crassula (Jade Plant), and various cacti, make great companions for aloe because they have similar watering and sunlight needs.

Ornamental Grasses: Some species of ornamental grasses, such as Blue Fescue or Maiden Grass, can provide an appealing contrast with the structural form of aloe plants.

Drought-Tolerant Perennials: Drought-tolerant perennials like Lavender, Russian Sage, and Yarrow can complement aloes in a xeriscaping landscape.

Rock Garden Plants: Aloe vera does well in rock gardens and pairs well with other rock garden plants like Ice Plant (Delosperma), Stonecrop (Sedum), or Blanket Flower (Gaillardia).

Agave: Agave plants can pair well with aloe, offering a similar structure but often at a larger scale, which can add visual interest and variety to your garden.

Companion Plants for Your Aloe

Agave
Echeveria
Opuntia (Prickly Pear)
Mammillaria
Crassula
Kalanchoe
Aeonium
Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender)
Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage)
Achillea (Yarrow)
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
Sedum (Stonecrop)

Growing Tips

Aloe, specifically Aloe vera, is a popular houseplant known for its medicinal properties. It’s relatively easy to grow both indoors and outdoors, but it does require some specific care:

Choose the Right Location: Aloe plants need a location with bright, indirect sunlight. While they can tolerate direct sun, too much can cause the leaves to dry out and turn brown. Indoors, place them near a south- or west-facing window. Outdoors, provide some shade during the hottest parts of the day.

Use Well-Draining Soil: Aloe plants are succulents, so they don’t do well in damp conditions. Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a mix specifically designed for cacti and succulents.

Choose the Right Container: If you’re growing aloe in a pot, ensure the container has plenty of drainage holes to prevent water from sitting in the bottom. The pot should also be wider than deep, as aloe roots tend to spread horizontally.

Water Properly: Aloe plants are drought-tolerant, and overwatering can cause root rot. Their succulent leaves enable them to survive long periods of drought. However, watering should not be withheld. Aloes thrive and flower better when given adequate water during their growing season. Water your aloe plant deeply, then allow the soil to dry completely before watering again. In winter, the plant becomes dormant and requires even less water.

Be Mindful of Temperature: Aloe plants prefer temperatures between 55 and 80ºF (13-26ºC). They can tolerate the occasional light frost, but prolonged cold will damage the plant.

Fertilize Sparingly: Aloe doesn’t require much in the way of fertilization. You can feed it with a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength, but only do so once in the spring and perhaps again in late summer.

Propagation: Aloe plants produce offsets or pups, that can be separated from the parent plant and potted up separately. Wait until the pup is a few inches tall and then carefully remove it with some roots attached, allow it to dry for a day or two to form a callous over the cut surface, and then plant in well-draining soil.

Remember, every plant is unique and will require slightly different care depending on its environment, so observe your plant and adjust your care as needed.

Discover These Helpful Guides for Further Reading

Great Shrubs as Companion Plants for Your Succulents
Great Ornamental Grasses as Companion Plants for Your Succulents
Great Perennials as Companion Plants for Your Succulents
Cold-Hardy Aloes for Your Garden
Pretty Aloes for Your Containers
Sempervivum (Hens and Chicks)

Garden Examples

A Sparkling Mediterranean Garden with Agave, Aloe and Euphorbia
An Eye-Catching Mediterranean Garden with Agave, Aloe and Pincushion
A Sparkling Mediterranean Garden with Aloe, Aeonium and Palms
A Sparkling Mediterranean Garden with Aloe, Agave and Palms
A Striking Water-Wise Border with Aloe, Cactus and Aeonium
A Colorful Succulent Garden
Compare All Aloe
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Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Aloe
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Aloe
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 9 - 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, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden
Compare All Aloe
Compare Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Aloe
Guides with
Aloe

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    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

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