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Aloe comosa (Clanwilliam Aloe) - This is a succulent with an upright unbranched stem to 10 feet tall with pale blue gray leaves that that take on a pink color in summer if left dry. The emerging flower spike looks quite striking with a brush-like appearance because of the cluster of long-tapering bracts. The spike matures with its vertically held few or unbranched stems a tight spike of reddish pink buds which open to ivory white flowers in the summer.
Plant in full sun and irrigate little (or not at all once established), as this will enhance the pink tones in the leaves. It is hardy to winter temperatures at least down to the upper 20's.
Aloe comosa comes from near Clanwilliam in the Western Cape of South Africa where it is found on slopes and in valleys from 1,000 to 2,000 feet in elevation. We first received this plant from succulent grower John Goetz in the 2004 and we sold it from 2005 until 2010.
The information about Aloe comosa 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. |
