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| Category: Succulent |
| Family: Aloeaceae (now Asphodeloideae) |
| Origin: South Africa (Africa) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Orange Red |
| Bloomtime: Fall/Winter |
| Height: 6-8 feet |
| Width: 3-5 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Summer Dry: Yes |
| Deer Tolerant: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F |
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Aloe ferox (Cape Aloe) - A tall single-stemmed aloe to 6 to 9+ feet tall with a rosette of dull blue-green 2-3 foot long leaves. The leaf edges, and leaf surface on young plants, are adorned with reddish spines and the older leaves dry as a "petticoat" on the stem. In late fall to mid-winter appear the dark orange flowers with inner white petals that are held above the foliage in a large upright candelabra-like inflorescence with 5 to 8 branches. Plant in full sun and irrigate little to regularly - plants are known to tolerate very dry conditions but look best with occasion irrigation. The foliage on this plant is hardy to at least 20° F but the winter flowers can be damaged at 24° F. This plant makes a beautiful and dramatic specimen for the garden and is great for attracting nectar-feeding birds. This species has a wide distribution throughout the Cape Region of South Africa and occupies a wide range of habitats. Aloe ferox is nearly as famous as Aloe vera for its medicinal qualities - in parts of South Africa, the bitter yellow juice found just below the skin has been harvested for centuries for its laxative properties, the treatment of arthritis, for its healing properties and for use in cosmetics. Other common names are Red Aloe and Bitter Aloe. The specific epithet 'ferox' means "fierce" or "war-like" in reference to the spiny-edged leaves. Our plants grown from seed purchased d from B&T World Seeds in Aigues-Vives, France.
The information about Aloe ferox displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant. |
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