Aloe ferox (Cape Aloe)

Native to South Africa, Aloe ferox (Cape Aloe) is a large, showy, evergreen succulent forming a dense rosette of blue-green, lance-shaped leaves, often flushed with rose, up to 3 ft. long (90 cm). Each leaf is adorned with dark brown spines along the edges and leaf surfaces, especially on the lower surface. The old leaves remain after they have dried, forming a ‘petticoat’ on the stem. Single-stemmed, Cape Aloe produces bright red-orange, tubular flowers with dark orange stamens protruding from the mouth. Long-lasting, they are held above the foliage in a very showy, large candelabra-like inflorescence with 5 to 8 branches. Adaptable to many conditions, this Aloe makes a beautiful display in sunny borders or decorative containers and is great for attracting nectar-feeding birds.

Nearly as renowned as Aloe vera, Aloe ferox is valued for its colorless leaf gel and bitter brown exudate. The gel is a popular ingredient in cosmetics, herbal remedies, and food supplements taken orally and applied to the skin.

• Grows up to 6-9 ft. tall (180-270 cm) and 3-5 ft. wide (90-160 cm).
• Easily grown in well-drained soils in full sun. Irrigate little to regularly. This Aloe can tolerate long periods of drought but looks better with a little water.
• Great for beds and borders, rock gardens, succulent gardens, or Mediterranean gardens. Ideal as an accent plant in sunny borders or decorative containers.
• Deer resistant. The flowers produce nectar and are attractive to birds and bees.
• Virtually disease free. Watch for scale insects and mealybugs.
• Do not trim off the dried leaves, as they protect the trunk from excessive sun, heat, or cold.
• Native to South Africa and Lesotho.