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| Category: Succulent |
| Family: Aloeaceae (Aloes) |
| Origin: Madagascar |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Red/Purple Foliage: Yes |
| Bloomtime: Spring |
| Height: 8-12 feet |
| Width: 3-4 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Summer Dry: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 30-32° F |
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Aloe helenae - A typically non-branching small tree aloe to 13 feet tall but in cultivation it is noted that plants often branch from the base. I has 4 foot long recurved and channeled olive green leaves that turn red in bright light and drought stress. In late spring appear the multiple short unbranched inflorescences at the top of the rosette with red buds that open to pale yellow in 6 inch long cylindrical racemes that are tightly covered with hundreds of flowers - fully open they resemble a grouping of Banksia flowers more than they do a typical aloe. Plant in full sun in a well-drained soil and irrigate occasionally to infrequently - likely can be unirrigated once established. This plant has been in cultivation only in near frost free gardens so until we know better we list its frost tolerance to 30 °F. It grows near the ocean in nature so likely can be planted at least in near coastal gardens. A very attractive and unusual species that is is known to be easy to cultivate in gardens in mild areas. This plant is endemic to the Fort Dauphin region in the extreme south-west of the Toliara Province of Madagascar, where only two or three very small populations are known to occur in thorny bush along sandy shores. It is considered Critically Endangered. The specific epithet honors Helen Decary, the wife of Raymond Decary, a French financial administrator and 20th century botanist in Madagascar. Our plants cutting grown from plants received in 2012 from the Institute of Aloe Studies (IAS 12-011c).
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 also try to incorporate comments received from others and appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written or if they have additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Aloe helenae.
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