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perennial

Red Aloe

Aloe cameronii

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Red Aloe (Aloe cameronii) at Tagawa Gardens

Red Aloe

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Red Aloe (Aloe cameronii) at Tagawa Gardens

Red Aloe foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Red Aloe (Aloe cameronii) at Tagawa Gardens

Red Aloe in fall

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Plant Height:  24 inches

Flower Height:  3 feet

Spread:  24 inches

Sunlight:  full sun 

Hardiness Zone:  9

Other Names:  Cameron's Ruwari Aloe

Description:

A clumping variety producing narrow green leaves that turn a beautiful coppery red in summer; spikes of orange-red flowers rise in late fall to mid-winter; a wonderful garden or container accent

Ornamental Features

Red Aloe's attractive succulent sword-like leaves emerge green in spring, turning red in color the rest of the year on a plant with an upright spreading habit of growth. It features dainty spikes of orange tubular flowers with red overtones rising above the foliage in late fall.

Landscape Attributes

Red Aloe is an herbaceous evergreen perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its wonderfully bold, coarse texture can be very effective in a balanced garden composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and usually looks its best without pruning, although it will tolerate pruning. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

  • Spiny

Red Aloe is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • Rock/Alpine Gardens
  • General Garden Use
  • Container Planting

Planting & Growing

Red Aloe will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity extending to 3 feet tall with the flowers, with a spread of 24 inches. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.

This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in sandy soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division.

Red Aloe is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden. Be aware that in our climate, this plant may be too tender to survive the winter if left outdoors in a container. Contact our experts for more information on how to protect it over the winter months.

This plant is not reliably hardy in our region, and certain restrictions may apply; contact the store for more information.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Massing  Rock  Garden  Container 
Applications
Flowers  Foliage Color  Texture 
Ornamental Features

This Plant Library is for informational purposes only. We may or may not carry the items listed. During many times of the year, we may carry many more plants in our store than are listed in the Plant Library. Please contact us directly at 303-690-4722 or visit our store for current availability and for assistance.