Aloe aristata
Bristle-tip Hardy Aloe
Item #: 8526
Zones: 7b to 10b
Dormancy: Evergreen
Height: 6" tall
Origin: South Africa
Pot Size: 3.5" pot (24 fl. oz/0.7 L)
We had already grown Aloe aristata for several years outdoors before I was fortunate to spot it in the wild on my 2005 South African expedition at nearly 9,000' elevation. Here, it grew wedged in the rocks on a nearly sheer cliff face. In cold climates, do not plant it out in the open where rains can soak it during the winter months. Planting it near a hedge or large shrub where it can still get afternoon sun is perfect. The 9-year-old clump in our rock garden is now 6" tall x 15" wide, composed of haworthia-like rosettes of stiff green leaves. The clumps are topped in May with 2' tall spikes of attractive, orange, bell-like flowers.
Maintenance:
Aloe aristata requires no maintenance in the garden as long as it's growing in the proper conditions.
Growing Conditions:
As mentioned above, it is essential that the rosettes be dry in the winter when grown in climates that drop below freezing in winter.
Garden Value:
Use bristle-tip aloe as you would a sempervivum or other similar succulent in a rock garden setting. It is not plant for the open garden where it could easily be overrun by more aggressive perennials.
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Other Attributes
Genus: Aloe
Flower Color: Orange/Peach
Leaf Color: Green
Bloom Time: Spring
Container Role: Fillers
Garden Themes: Fairy Garden Plants , Gnome Gardens , Green Roofs , Living Wall , Rock Garden Plants , Southwest Garden Plants
Other: Cut Flower Plants , Drought Tolerant Plants , Hummingbird Plants , Medicinal Plants , Plants that Attract Birds , Rabbit Resistant Plants , RHS Award of Merit Winners , Tropical Looking Plants , Xeriscaping Plants , House Plants