Aloe speciosa (Tilt-Head Aloe)
Tilt-Head Aloe
Aloe speciosa (Tilt-head Aloe) is a large and showy, evergreen succulent forming a decorative rosette of long and slender, blue-green leaves, often tinged pink at the tips and edges, up to 3 ft. long (90 cm). Each leaf is adorned with small, pale to deep red, soft teeth. What makes this species easy to distinguish is the tendency of its rosette to lean toward the greatest sun exposure, hence the common name. The old leaves remain after they have dried, forming a 'petticoat' on the stem. Generally single-stemmed, Tilt-head Aloe produces a short, conical raceme, 20 in. tall (50 cm) densely packed with showy flowers. The buds are deep red when young and mature to green with white stripes. When the flowers open, the dark reddish brown stamens and style protrude conspicuously, providing a tri-color look. While the inflorescence is solitary, one rosette can produce up to 4 inflorescences. A wonderful specimen plant for the garden that is quite attractive to hummingbirds.
- Grows up to 8-10 ft. tall (240-300 cm) and 4-6 ft. wide (120-180 cm). When growing in harsh conditions, it is usually smaller, and often single-stemmed.
- Easily grown in well-drained soils in full sun or light shade. This Aloe is adaptable and will grow in various soil types, however, it prefers fertile, sandy loam soil. Water well initially to encourage maximum root growth. Once established, the plant should be self-sustaining.
- Great for beds and borders, rock gardens, succulent gardens, or Mediterranean gardens. Ideal as an accent plant in sunny borders or in decorative containers.
- Deer resistant. The flowers produce nectar and are attractive to birds and bees
- Virtually disease free. Occasionally prone to rust
- Native to South Africa
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Requirements
Hardiness | 9
– 10 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Cactus - Succulents |
Plant Family | Aloe |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 8' – 10' (240cm – 3m) |
Spread | 4' – 6' (120cm – 180cm) |
Spacing | 72" (180cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought |
Attracts | Bees, Birds, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
(c) Gerhard Bock, SucculentsandMore.com
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.
Requirements
Hardiness | 9
– 10 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Cactus - Succulents |
Plant Family | Aloe |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 8' – 10' (240cm – 3m) |
Spread | 4' – 6' (120cm – 180cm) |
Spacing | 72" (180cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought |
Attracts | Bees, Birds, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |