Tilt-Head Aloe
Aloe speciosa
Also known as
Beautiful Aloe
Aloe speciosa - tilt head aloe by Abu Shawka (CC0)
Full Sun
Easy care
Light watering
Tender
H5-H1c
RHS hardiness
-15°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
6m | Max | 2m |
3m | Min | 1.2m |
5 years to reach maturity
Flowering
spring
summer
autumn
winter
This plant has no fragrance
More images of Tilt-Head Aloe
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Tilt-Head Aloe Overview
A tall, upright growing, solitary to branched aloe that reaches up to 6m in height. Its leaves are blue-green and have serrated, pale red leaf margins. The leaves can be used to dye wool a delicate pink colour. The large cylindrical flower heads display striking red buds that open up during springtime to reveal green-white and red-pink, tubular flowers. It is easily distinguished by the head of rosette leaves that are permanently tilted to the north in the southern hemisphere.
Common problems with Tilt-Head Aloe
Generally not affected by diseases, but Aloe speciosa is occasionally prone to rust especially when grown in dense stands. It can be treated by spraying affected plants with copper-oxychloride.
Tilt-Head Aloe Companion Plants
How to harvest Tilt-Head Aloe
Seeds should be allowed to dry for at least 3 months after flowering before they are harvested.
How to propagate Tilt-Head Aloe
Seed
Best grown from seed treated with fungicide. Sow during spring or summer in a well-drained, sandy medium. Cover the seed with 2-3 mm of sand and water well. Germination is usually within 3-4 weeks.
Special features of Tilt-Head Aloe
Attracts birds
The flowers produce nectar that attracts sunbirds.
Attracts useful insects
The flowers produce nectar that attracts bees, butterflies and ants.
Attracts butterflies
Drought resistant
Attracts bees
Other uses of Tilt-Head Aloe
Used as ornamentals, for medicinal and sometimes culinary use.
Ornamental
Being drought-resistant it is an ideal plant for the water-wise garden.
Fabric colouring
The leaves can be used to dye wool a delicate pink without the use of mordants (substances that set the dye on fabric).