Aloe aristata (Torch Plant)

Hardy and attractive, Aloe aristata (Torch Plant) is an evergreen succulent perennial forming charming rosettes, packed with fleshy, lance-shaped, incurved leaves with tufted tips. Pale green in the shade, the leaves turn dark green in full sun. Each leaf exhibits scattered white spots, raised near the base and becoming spiny towards the tips. They are lined with white teeth along the edges and tipped with a soft white spine. In winter, conical clusters of tubular orange-red flowers are borne in profusion above the foliage, 20 in. high (50 cm), brightening up the garden. This Aloe offsets readily to form clumps. Low-growing, it is an excellent choice for containers thanks to its perfectly formed rosettes and bright flowers.

• Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
• Grows up to 8-12 in. tall and wide (20-30 cm).
• Easily grown in well-drained soils in full sun. Afternoon shade is welcomed in hot climates. Water and feed regularly during the growing season to preserve its perfect form. Drought tolerant.
• Great for beds and borders, rock gardens, succulent gardens or Mediterranean gardens. Ideal in decorative containers.
• Deer resistant. The flowers produce nectar and are attractive to birds and bees
• Virtually disease free. Watch for scale insects and mealybugs.
• Propagate by seed sown with heat as soon as ripe or from offsets
• Native to South Africa and Lesotho