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Products > Aloe 'Hercules'   Aloe 'Hercules' - Hercules Aloe    [2nd Image] Habit and Cultural Information Category: Succulent Family: Aloeaceae (Aloes) Origin: South Africa (Africa) Evergreen: Yes Flower Color: Salmon Bloomtime: Spring/Fall Parentage: (Aloe barberae x A. dichotoma) Height: 25-40 feet Width: 15-20 feet Exposure: Full Sun Drought Tolerant: Yes Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F Aloe 'Hercules' (Hercules Aloe) A large hybrid tree aloe that is the result of a cross between the large tree Aloe barberae (A. bainesii) and the smaller tree aloe, Aloe dichotoma. The plant exhibits hybrid vigor, growing faster than Aloe barberae with a heavier truck, thicker branches and peeling bark more typical of Aloe dichotoma but with broad triangular dark green leaves. Relatively young large specimens can be seen in southern California and it seems likely that they will grow to 30 to 40 feet. We have yet to see this plant flower but Kevin Coniff has sent us pictures showing beautiful green tipped salmon flowers that he notes can appear sporadically from spring to fall. Plant in full sun and water occasionally to infrequently. Hardiness reports are that it is hardier than either parents and can tolerate temperatures to at least 20° F though unverified reports are that it had been hardy to 23°F. Sometimes confused with but quite different from the yellow orange flowering form of Aloe barberae that comes from Mozambique and is often referred to as the Medusa form. This naturally occurring plant from Mozambique has smaller narrower pale green leaves and much thinner stems. Another plant that is somewhat similar is the hybrid between Aloe barberae and Aloe vaombe called Aloe ‘Goliath’ which has longer brighter green leaves and has heads so heavy it is prone to break the stems. Our plants from tissue cultured plants produced by Rancho Soledad Nursery.  The description above is based on our research and observations of this plant growing in our nursery and in our own and other Santa Barbara gardens. We would appreciate hearing from anyone who has additional information or disagrees with what we have written.     [MORE INFO]