Cape Aloe
Aloe ferox
Also known as
Bitter Aloe, Red Aloe, Tap Aloe, Cape Prickly Aloe, Common Aloe, Cultivated Aloe, Medicinal Aloe, New Aloes, Cape aloe, Red aloe, Tap alie
Full Sun
Moderate care
Light watering
Tender
H1b
RHS hardiness
10°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
4m | Max | 2.5m |
2.5m | Min | 1.5m |
5 years to reach maturity
Flowering
spring
summer
autumn
winter
This plant has no fragrance
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Cape Aloe Overview
One of the best-known South African plants with a long history of medicinal use. This evergreen succulent shrub has a woody stem and blue-green foliage with red-brown spines along the margins, but of course, it is best known for the beautiful tubular, red-orange flower large candelabra-like flower-heads that brings warmth to the winter garden. Aloe ferox forms a beautiful display and attracts many bird species such as sunbirds, weavers, glossy starlings and mousebirds. Insects also visit the flowers which in turn brings yet more birds to your garden. In natural areas, monkeys and baboons will raid the aloes for nectar. Visitors usually leave adorned with large patches of pollen, often causing confusion amongst birdwatchers! Aloe ferox is an excellent garden specimen plant and is adaptable to many conditions. Aloe ferox is able to grow successfully in a wide range of habitats such as mountain slopes, rocky landscapes and flat, open areas. It is mostly known for its medicinal uses, but can also be used for cosmetics, food supplements and the leaves themselves are edible. Aloe - derived from the Greek word for the dried juice of aloe leaves. Ferox - "fierce" or "war-like", referring to the spiny edged leaves.
Common problems with Cape Aloe
The aloe snout beetle, scale insects, mealy bugs and mites are the primary pests that can be harmful to Aloe ferox. Diseases that are known to hinder Aloe ferox are aloe canker (also called galls), leaf spots, bacterial infections and aloe rust. Few of these will lead to the decline or death of the plant, but will certainly effect their appearance.
Cape Aloe Companion Plants
How to harvest Cape Aloe
Leaves can be harvested once a year in winter after about 18 months after cultivation. Seed can be harvested during spring or summer
How to propagate Cape Aloe
Seed
Sow seed in a well drained medium in shallow trays and cover lightly with sand in spring. Once the seeds begin to germinate, keep moist but do not overwater. Transplant when they are about 4 cm high.
Cuttings
Cut a stem under a node and allow to dry for a few hours. Place the cutting in a rooting medium and keep moist without over-watering.
Division
When stems are damaged, the sprouts ca be removed and planted as cutting in sand.
Special features of Cape Aloe
Attracts birds
Aloe ferox attracts many birds, the most popular of which are sunbirds, weavers, glossy starlings and mousebirds.
Attracts useful insects
Insects are attracted by the flowers and will in turn attract insect-eating birds.
Drought resistant
Requires minimal water.
Pot plant
Attractive flowers
The flowers are usually bright orange-red, bright red, yellow and even white forms can be found.
Other uses of Cape Aloe
Ornamental, architectural, structural. Grown to make 'bitter aloes' which is used as a purging medicine.
Medicinal
Leaves have medicinal value.
Culinary
Leaves can be used to make jam.
