Aloe spicata
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Aloe spicata is a very nice in medium to large sized succulent gardens and it also works well in hillside plantings and can be used as an informal hedge. It is an interesting plant when planted among flowing grasses. Low maintenance and low litter make aloe spicata a nice plant to use near swimming pools. Keep in mind leaves have short teeth so it should be kept clear of foot traffic.
This aloe can be grown from seed or stem cuttings. Sow seed in sandy soil at temperatures between 68 and 75°F. Stem cuttings should be allowed to dry and callous over before planting.
An impressive, fast-growing, medium to large sized aloe that can grow a short trunk to become a large shrub. Its gracefully recurved leaves are bright green and up to 3 feet long with a deep U-shaped channel. When stressed they exhibit yellow to red hues. Leaves are edged in small teeth.
Aloe spicata blooms in the winter months with 3 foot long unbranched racemes of yellow green flowers with bright orange stamens. Each rosette of leaves may have up to 5 flower spikes. Flowers have a brownish nectar which attracts birds and insects.
The plant has been used for medicinal purposes, chiefly as a purgative. This Aloe is native to steep rocky slopes at elevations up to 5,600 feet in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Swaziland and Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natla, South Africa.
Horticultural Data
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Names and Synonyms: Aloe sessiliflora, Aloe speciosa
Common Names: Bottle-brush Aloe, Spike-flowered Aloe, Bullocks Bottle-brush Aloe, Lemombo Aloe, Gazaland Aloe, Inhlaba
Family: Aloeaceae
Origin: This Aloe is native to steep rocky slopes at elevations up to 5,600 feet in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Swaziland and Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natla, South Africa.
Height: 4-6′
Width: 4-6′
Cold Tolerance: 25 to 30°F; -3.9 to -1.1°C
Heat Tolerance: High heat tolerance.
Light Requirement: Full sun to some shade in warm and sunny interior climates. Grow in more shade to keep leaf color green. Plants grown in higher light or colder conditions will have red leaves.
Water needs: Drought tolerant.
Maintenance: Remove spent flower spikes and dried leaves as desired. Handsome plant that requires very little maintenance.
Uses: Very nice in medium to large sized succulent gardens. Also works well in hillside plantings and can be used as an informal hedge. Interesting when planted among flowing grasses. Low maintenance and low litter make it a nice plant near swimming pools, keeping in mind leaves have short teeth so it should be kept clear of foot traffic.
Propagation: This aloe can be grown from seed or stem cuttings. Sow seed in sandy soil at temperatures between 68 and 75°F. Stem cuttings should be allowed to dry and callous over before planting.
Problems: Requires well-draining soils.
Research Links:
http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=3763
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/62517/
http://llifle.com/Encyclopedia/SUCCULENTS/Family/Aloaceae/32959/Aloe_spicata
Shipping & Availability
Description | Horticultural Data | Shipping & Availability | Top
There is a minimum purchase of any 4 plants for online orders. All plants shipped bare root. Other sizes may be available for pick up from our growing grounds in Fallbrook, CA. For more information, give us a call at 760-990-4762.
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