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| Category: Succulent |
| Family: Aloeaceae (Aloes) |
| Origin: South Africa (Africa) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Variegated Foliage: Yes |
| Flower Color: Orange |
| Bloomtime: Spring |
| Height: 1-2 feet |
| Width: 1-2 feet |
| Exposure: Light Shade/Part Sun |
| Seaside: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F |
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Gasteria acinacifolia (Giant Gasteria) - A medium sized rosette forming succulent that grows to 2 feet tall by as wide (this is the largest of the Gasteria) with dark green white spotted leaves that are broad at the base and narrow and pointed at the tip. It has a flat topped inflorescence rising to 3 feet tall in spring with orange red stems of nectar rich and bird attracting tubular flowers that are orange at the base and have green petals. Can tolerate cool coastal sun but looks best in part sun to light shade. Plant in a well drained soil and water occasionally to very little. Though often listed a not tolerating much of a frost we have not had problems with this plant with short duration temperatures to 25F but it would be wise to protect if colder or longer cold periods are expected. Good in beach plantings as large container plant or garden plant. This plant has long been in cultivation in Europe having been cultivated in Holland as early as 1809. The specific epithet “acinacifolia” is in reference to the scimitar-shaped leaves. Our plant produced vegetatively from an original stock plant from the collection of Stockton, CA succulent grower Alice Waidhofer.
The description above is based on our research and observations of this plant growing in our nursery, in our own garden and in other gardens in the Santa Barbara area. We would appreciate hearing from anyone who has additional information about this plant, even if they disagree with what we have written.
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