Plant Care Guides / Outdoor & Coastal / Succulents
Indigenous | Easy Care | Succulents
Aloes are among the most iconic and useful plants in a South African coastal garden. They store water in their thick, fleshy leaves and are built for drought, heat, wind and poor soil.
The range available at the nursery covers everything from the massive tree aloe (Aloe barbarae, reaching 10 m or more) to the smaller garden aloes like castanea, ferox, arborescens and compact cultivars like Bushwacker, Little Joker, Orange Express, Lemon Drops and Peri Peri. Most flower in the cooler months, producing spikes of tubular flowers in orange, red, yellow or coral that bring sunbirds into the garden all winter long. They are the backbone of a water-wise, coastal garden and one of the best plant families for year-round structure and winter colour.
Varies hugely: from 30 cm for compact varieties to 3 m for ferox and arborescens, and up to 10 m or more for barbarae.
Slow to moderate, depending on species. Barbarae is very slow; arborescens and the compact cultivars are faster.
Feature plant, mass planting, rockery, slope or bank, container, coastal garden structure. Plant a variety of species for staggered winter flowering.
Full sun. Most aloes handle some shade, but they flower best and hold their most compact form in full sun.
Any well-drained soil, including sandy, rocky and poor coastal conditions. They do not need rich soil and can rot in heavy, waterlogged ground. No special preparation needed.
Very drought-tolerant once established. Water young plants occasionally while settling in, then leave them to it. They survive extended dry periods without complaint.
Minimal. A light feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser is enough for garden plants. Container aloes benefit from a feed twice a year. Do not overfeed.
Remove spent flower spikes and any dead or damaged leaves. That is all they need. On multi-headed species like arborescens, remove old, woody heads if the clump becomes too dense.
Ask about availability. WhatsApp us to check what is currently in stock, or visit the nursery and we will help you choose the right plant for your spot.
