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Aloe plicatilis (Fan Aloe)

Fan Aloe

AGM Award
Aloe polyphylla,Spiral Aloe
Aloe polyphylla,Spiral Aloe
Aloe polyphylla,Spiral Aloe

Unique with its fan-like leaf arrangement, Aloe plicatilis (Fan Aloe) forms a remarkable shrub or small tree. At the end of branched stems, the fleshy, strap-shaped, round-tipped, blue-gray leaves, about 1 ft. long (30 cm), are stacked in pairs and are reminiscent of fans. Often the leaf tips display orange shades, adding further charm to the plant. Rather than clinging to the stems, the old leaves fall to the ground, exposing the attractive smooth gray trunk and branches. Many Fan Aloes remain shrub-like with sinuous branching patterns. Spikes of vermilion tubular flowers rise from each leaf cluster on tall, solitary stems from late winter to spring. The blossoms are rich with nectar and pollinated by sunbirds.

  • Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
  • Grows up to 4-8 ft. tall (120-240 cm) and 4-6 ft. wide (120-180 cm).
  • Easily grown in sandy or gravelly, well-drained soils in full sun or light shade. Water moderately from spring to early fall, allowing the compost to dry between watering. Water sparingly during the winter. Fertilizer may be applied two or three times during the growing season. Drought tolerant.
  • Great for beds and borders, rock gardens, coastal gardens, succulent gardens, or Mediterranean gardens. Great in decorative containers too.
  • Deer resistant. The flowers produce nectar and are attractive to birds and bees.
  • Propagate by seed sown with heat as soon as ripe or from offsets
  • Virtually disease free, but susceptible to root rot if grown in wet soil. Watch for scale insects and mealybugs.
  • Native to South Africa

Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 12
Heat Zones 9 - 12
Climate Zones 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Cactus & Succulents, Shrubs
Plant Family Xanthorrhoeaceae
Genus Aloe
Common names Aloe
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 4' - 8'
(120cm - 240cm)
Spread 4' - 6'
(120cm - 180cm)
Spacing 72" - 84"
(180cm - 210cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Bees, Birds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden, Coastal Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Aloe pluridens (French Aloe)
Aloe wickensii (Geelaalwyn)
Aloe thraskii (Coast Aloe)
Aloe africana (African Aloe)
Aloe Moonglow™
Aloe petricola (Stone Aloe)

Recommended Companion Plants

Kalanchoe luciae (Paddle Plant)
Echeveria ‘Imbricata’
Senecio serpens (Blue Chalksticks)

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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.
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Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 12
Heat Zones 9 - 12
Climate Zones 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Cactus & Succulents, Shrubs
Plant Family Xanthorrhoeaceae
Genus Aloe
Common names Aloe
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 4' - 8'
(120cm - 240cm)
Spread 4' - 6'
(120cm - 180cm)
Spacing 72" - 84"
(180cm - 210cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Bees, Birds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden, Coastal Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Aloe
Guides with
Aloe
Not sure which Aloe to pick?
Compare Now

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