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Aloe comosa (Clanwilliam Aloe) - This is a succulent with an upright unbranched stem to 10 feet tall with pale blue gray leaves that that take on a pink color in summer if left dry. The emerging flower spike looks quite striking with a brush-like appearance because of the cluster of long-tapering bracts. The spike matures with its vertically held few or unbranched stems a tight spike of reddish pink buds which open to ivory white flowers in the summer.
Plant in full sun and irrigate little (or not at all once established), as this will enhance the pink tones in the leaves. It is hardy to winter temperatures at least down to the upper 20's.
Aloe comosa comes from near Clanwilliam in the Western Cape of South Africa where it is found on slopes and in valleys from 1,000 to 2,000 feet in elevation. We first received this plant from succulent grower John Goetz in the 2004 and we sold it from 2005 until 2010.
This information about Aloe comosa displayed on this web page is based on research we have conducted in our horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also will relate observations we have made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens visited, as well how our crops have performed in containers in the nursery field. Where appropriate, we will also incorporate comments that we receive from others and we welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant.
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