Krantz Aloe

Krantz Aloe Overview

Aloe arborescens (Kranz aloe) is a valuable garden asset, it has large beautiful flowers, attractive foliage, decorative form, and it is easy to grow. It is also a 'must-have' for anyone wanting to stock their herb gardens with indigenous healing plants. The large colourful flower spikes are borne in profusion during the cold winter months (May-July), brightening up a drab winter garden. Deep orange is the most common colour, but there are also pure yellow forms, and an unusual bi-coloured form of deep orange (almost red) and yellow. The inflorescence is usually unbranched, with two to several arising from a single rosette. As with all the aloes, the flowers produce nectar and are attractive to many kinds of birds, in particular the small and colourful sunbirds, which flit from flower to flower in search of nectar. The flowers also attract bees. The Krantz aloe is adapted to many habitats but is usually found in mountainous areas where it favours exposed ridges and rocky outcrops. They form a 2m high bush that multiplies quickly and can be divided easily for propagation. It is an easy and rewarding plant to grow, and is a popular garden plant in many countries. Aloe arborescens enjoys full sun, well-drained, compost-enriched soil and can tolerate moderate frost but is sensitive to severe frost. It is fast-growing, and it will tolerate drought and neglect once established. It is grown mainly as an ornamental or as an accent plant, but is also an excellent and impenetrable hedge plant. The Kranz aloe may be used to treat burn wounds and has a range of other medicinal properties.