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| Category: Succulent |
| Family: Aloeaceae (Aloes) |
| Origin: South Africa (Africa) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Green & White |
| Bloomtime: Fall/Winter |
| Height: 8-10 feet |
| Width: 4-6 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Drought Tolerant: Yes |
| Deer Tolerant: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F |
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Aloe speciosa (Tilt-head Aloe) - A generally single-stemmed tall succulent growing to 10 feet or more that carries its massive rosettes of leaves at a tilt off to one side. The slender long (to 36 inch) bluish-green leaves have a pinkish tinge at their tips and leaf margins, which also have tiny soft teeth and the older leaves form a dry skirt lying downwards along the stem. In mid-winter (Jan/ Feb. in Santa Barbara) appear the stout tight foot-long cone-like inflorescenes that rise and branch close to the crown of the rosette. The flower buds are red and open a greenish-white with dark reddish brown to orange protruding stamens, giving a definite tri-color look to the inflorescence. Plant in full sun in a well-drained soil and irrigate occasionally to infrequently - this is a drought tolerant plant once established. Aloe speciosa is considered by some to be tender to frost since temperatures in its native habitat rarely are below 28° F but we have an older specimen in a cold spot in the nursery that has regularly survived temperatures in the mid 20°F and Brian Kemble of the Ruth Bancroft Garden rates it to 20°F. A great specimen plant for the garden that is quite attractive to hummingbirds. Aloe speciosa is widely distributed in South Africa from the Western Cape to the Eastern Cape at elevations from between sea level to 3,300 feet. The specific epithet given this plant by John Gilbert Baker when he described in in the 1880 in the Journal of the Linnean Society is the Latin word 'speciosa' which means "showy" and is in reference to its beautiful flowers.
This description of this plant is based on our research and our observations of it growing at the nursery, in our own garden and in other gardens. We always appreciate receiving feedback of any kind from those who have any additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written or have additional cultural tips that would aid others growing Aloe speciosa .
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