Coral Aloe

This is a beautiful evergreen succulent perennial which forms beautiful clusters of rosettes of flat broad, pale grey-green leaves, featuring striped markings (‘striata’ being the Latin word for striped). Leaf margins are toothless and transparent, while leaf colour varies according to sunlight—in full sun foliage turns pinkish and bluish-green in shady spots. In bloom, it features clusters of brilliant coral-red flowers rising 60 cm above the foliage on tall candelabra-like stems. Growing around 45cm tall and 60cm wide, it is relatively slow growing but easy to grow.

Plant in full sun to light shade in well-drained soil and water regularly but minimally. Never allow it to sit in water, nor water to sit in the rosettes, as this will cause rot. Native to South Africa, this plant is sometimes confused with a garden hybrid, aloe striata x, which has teeth along the leaf margins. This makes a stunning plant in dry beds and borders, but is also perfect for succulent gardens or rockeries.