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Products > Aloe capitata var. quartziticola
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| Category: Succulent |
| Family: Aloeaceae (Aloes) |
| Origin: Madagascar |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Red/Purple Foliage: Yes |
| Flower Color: Yellow & Orange |
| Bloomtime: Winter |
| Height: 2-3 feet |
| Width: 2-3 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Summer Dry: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F |
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Aloe capitata var. quartziticola - A stemless aloe with a dense yet open rosette, most often solitary, with many 2 inch wide by 12 to 18 inch long gray-green fleshy leaves that can have be blushed with bluish, pink or even dark red on the leaves and with red margins and small sharp brown teeth. In mid-winter appear the up to 3 foot tall inflorescences top with dense 4 inch long spherical capitate racemes of orange buds on reddish pedicles that open to display orange-yellow 1 inch long narrow bell shaped flowers that open first from near the top. Plant in full to part sun to light shade in a well-drained soil and give occasional to infrequent irrigation. This aloe is hardier than most Malagasy aloes and is hardy to short duration temperatures down to 25°F and has even withstood 20°F at the Ruth Bancroft Garden in Walnut Creek. This is a very decorative plant that is stunning when in bloom. In Aloes: The Definitive Guide it notes that "The most robust and spectacular of the stemless varieties of A. capitata is var. quartziticola, which has large, almost spherical, brightly coloured inflorescences with extremely numerous flowers, sometimes more than 100." This plant comes from quartzite soils over the southern half of the Central Highlands of Madagascar at altitudes of 3,200 to 5,200 feet. The specific epithet is in reference to the capitate flower heads and the varietal name is in reference to the plant growing on a quartzite substrate.
This description is based on our research and observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in the nursery garden and in other gardens that we have visited. We will also incorporate comments received from others and always appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have some additional information about this plant, in particular if this information is contrary to what we have written or if they have additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Aloe capitata var. quartziticola.
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