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Aloe speciosa (Tilt-Head Aloe)

Tilt-Head Aloe

Aloe speciosa, Tilt-Head Aloe, Orange flowers, Succulents, Aloes, Drought tolerant plants
Tilt head aloe, Aloe speciosa
Aloe speciosa, Tilt-Head Aloe, Orange flowers, Succulents, Aloes, Drought tolerant plants

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. The dark reddish brown stamens and style protrude conspicuously when the flowers open, 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 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

Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 10
Plant Type Cactus & Succulents
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 8' - 10' (240cm - 3m)
Spread 4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spacing 72" (180cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt
Attracts Bees, Birds, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock 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

Aeonium ‘Zwartkop’
Agave ‘Blue Flame’
Sedum nussbaumerianum (Stonecrop)

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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 - 10
Plant Type Cactus & Succulents
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 8' - 10' (240cm - 3m)
Spread 4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spacing 72" (180cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt
Attracts Bees, Birds, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Aloe
Guides with
Aloe
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