Aloe plicatilis (Fan 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