Aloe cameronii
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A beautiful Rhodesian native, Aloe cameronii is very similar in shape to the ubiquitous Aloe arborescens which is the most common aloe seen growing along the California coastline. Aloe cameronii is distinguished by its deep red and copper tones displayed when water is withheld. However, its leaves retain a bright green color in lower light settings, or when excessive irrigation is applied.
When young, Aloe cameronii makes a handsome container plant. Also great in rock gardens, succulent and cactus gardens and xeriscape, however leaves are brittle and can easily be broken so plan plant’s location accordingly. Good for attracting nectar loving birds and insects when in bloom.
This medium-sized aloe suckers readily with many upright stems and grows in open rosettes one to two feet in diameter. Aloe cameronii’s leaves turn a beautiful coppery red in sunny weather and drought. However, without bright sun, or if overwatered, this aloe will become bright apple-green. Orange-red flowers come in winter to spring in Southern California and are held a foot above the foliage. They are very attractive to nectar-seeking birds. The seed pods that follow are interesting as well.
In conclusion, this aloe makes a fantastic specimen planting and provides a striking color contrast in the succulent garden.
Horticultural Data
Description | Horticultural Data | Shipping & Availability | Top
Common Names: Red Aloe, Cameron’s Ruwari Aloe
Family: Aloaceae
Origin: Zimbabwe on rock outcroppings
Size Label: 1 Gallon
Height: 1-2′
Width: 2-4′
Cold Tolerance: 25 to 30°F; -3.9 to -1.1°C
Heat Tolerance: Very high
Light Requirement: Full sun
Water needs: Drought tolerant, can take light irrigation in hot summers
Maintenance: Remove dead flower spikes as desired.
Uses: Rock gardens, succulent and cactus gardens and xeriscape. Cameronii makes a handsome container plant when young (however leaves retain a bright green color in lower light settings). It helps to plan the plant’s location because leaves are brittle and break easily. In addition, Aloe cameronii attracts nectar loving birds and insects when in bloom.
Propagation: Remove and replant rooted offshoots. Collect seeds from pods and sow in well-draining soil.
Special notes: This medium-sized aloe suckers readily with many upright stems and grows in open rosettes one to two feet in diameter. The leaves turn a beautiful coppery red in sunny weather and drought, Bearing in mind that this aloe will turn bright green if overwatered or placed in partial shade or low light conditions. Orange-red flowers form on 12-inch spikes in winter to spring in Southern California. They are very attractive to nectar-seeking birds. Individual heads develop into clusters reaching almost 4′ in diameter and waist high if left untrimmed. Above all this, aloe makes a nice specimen planting and provides a striking foliage color contrast in the succulent garden.
Research Links:
http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=3361
http://www.finegardening.com/red-aloe-aloe-cameronii
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/58020/
http://www.agaveville.org/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=792
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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