Aloe congolensis
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Aloe congolensis is not yet recognized as true species amongst experts however this plant has been passed around and enjoyed by aloe collectors and gardens for many years. Maybe someday the taxonomists will figure this one out but until then collectors revel in growing this little known curiosity.
Aloe congolensis is a very small aloe growing only about a foot high and spreads slowly. It makes an excellent drought tolerant small-scale ground cover. Attractive in rock gardens, succulent and cactus gardens and useful in all types of xeriscapes. Also works well as a succulent container plant and in hanging baskets where long offsetting branches droop ornamentally.
Aloe congolensis is a small clustering aloe, growing from tightly-spaced 5-inch rosettes comprised of triangular leaves on stems which tend to lie across the ground. In drought and other times of stress the leaves take on a reddish brown cast. Being a prolific offsetting plant, Aloe congolensis makes an excellent ground cover and will eventually cover an area, especially if offsets are removed and replanted nearby. The leaves are armed with sharp teeth so use care when pruning back.
Aloe congolensis blooms in late fall to winter on unbranched racemes which rise about a foot above the leaves. The peach-orange colored flowers come when the plant is more mature and in full sun. This aloe needs protection from hard frosts. Aloe congolensis is deer resistant.
Horticultural Data
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Names and Synonyms: Aloe buettneri A.Berger
Common Names: Congo Aloe, Tiger Tooth Aloe
Family: Aloeaceae
Origin: Congo
Size Label: 1 Gallon
Height: 6″ to 8″
Width: 2-4′
Cold Tolerance: 25 to 30°F; -3.9 to -1.1°C
Heat Tolerance: Very high
Light Requirement: Full sun (best color) to light shade
Water needs: Drought tolerant, Can take light irrigation in summer
Maintenance: None
Uses: Excellent drought tolerant small-scale ground cover. Attractive in rock gardens, succulent and cactus gardens and useful in xeriscape plantings as well. It is deer resistant. Also works well as a succulent container plant and in hanging baskets where long offsetting branches droop ornamentally.
Propagation: Remove and replant offsets. Seeds can be collected from dried seed pods
Research Links:
http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=3439
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/149940/
http://www.succulentguide.com/cactus/?genus=Aloe&species=congolensis
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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