Tree aloe

Aloe barberae

Description

Looking for a living sculpture for your garden? The Tree aloe may be the perfect centerpiece for a rock garden, raised planter or focal element on a garden slope. This tree-size aloe eventually develops massive trunks and branches; when planted in the ground it can reach 20-30 ft. tall. Long, curved leaves are fleshy and bunched at the ends of branches. Flowers vary in color from orange to rose-pink and occur on branched stems above leaves.

This species is native to coastal zones of eastern South Africa where it grows in frost free valleys on well draining sites. As a result, it’s grown in locations where winter temperatures stay above 25-28°F. Tree aloe is a slow growing species; young plants are awkward in character, but eventually become unique garden plants. It can also be grown in containers where it remains at small sizes.

Plant Type: Tree
Foliage Character: Succulent, Evergreen
Habit: Open, Low-branching, Dense, Upright
Growth Rate: Slow
Foliage Color: Dull green
Flower Color: Orange
Flower Season: Winter
Soil Adaptations: Well-draining soil
Exposure Adaptations: Partial sun, Wind, Aridity, All day sun
Function: Wildlife value, Specimen, Rock gardens, Hummingbird plant, Foliage accent plant, Container plant
Height: 20 ft. – 30 ft.
Width: 15 ft. – 20 ft.