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Aloe vanbalenii (Van Balen’s Aloe)

Van Balen's Aloe, Octopus Aloe

AAloe vanbalenii, Van Balen's Aloe, Octopus Aloe, Orange flowers, Yellow flowers Succulents, Aloes, Drought tolerant plants
Aloe vanbalenii, Van Balen's Aloe, Octopus Aloe, Orange flowers, Yellow flowers Succulents, Aloes, Drought tolerant plants

Resembling an octopus, Aloe vanbalenii (Van Balen’s Aloe) is an evergreen succulent perennial forming striking stemless rosettes of long, deeply channeled, gracefully twisting, and curling leaves. Bright green with copper-red edges in the shade, the fleshy leaves turn orange or dark red shades in the full, hot sun with minimum water. Lined with reddish teeth, they emit cinnamon or musky fragrance when bruised or damaged. From winter to early spring, slender, conical, yellow to orange-yellow, tubular flowers are produced on unbranched spikes, 3 ft. high (90 cm). They are attractive to nectar-seeking birds and insects. This colony-forming Aloe makes a fantastic focal point in sunny borders or decorative containers.

  • Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm) and 3-4 ft. wide (90-120 cm).
  • Easily grown in well-drained soils in full sun or part shade. Drought tolerant but looks best with regular water during the growing season.
  • Great for beds and bordersrock 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.
  • Remove spent flower spikes and old leaves if desired. Offsets can be removed and replanted.
  • Native to Southern Africa from KwaZulu-Natal to Swaziland

Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 11
Plant Type Cactus & Succulents
Plant Family Xanthorrhoeaceae
Genus Aloe
Common names Aloe
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spread 3' - 4'
(90cm - 120cm)
Spacing 120" (3m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Bees, Birds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean 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

Senecio mandraliscae (Blue Chalksticks)
Echeveria ‘Lady Aquarius’
Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Sticks on Fire’ (Fire Sticks)

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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 - 11
Plant Type Cactus & Succulents
Plant Family Xanthorrhoeaceae
Genus Aloe
Common names Aloe
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spread 3' - 4'
(90cm - 120cm)
Spacing 120" (3m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Bees, Birds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean 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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