Aloe maculata (Soap Aloe)
Prized for its colorful flowers and interesting foliage, Aloe maculata (Soap Aloe) is an evergreen succulent perennial forming small rosettes of thick, sword-shaped, white spotted leaves adorned with sharp teeth along their edges. Pinkish red in full sun, the foliage turns bluish-green in part shade. Borne on branched stems, up to 3 ft. high (90 cm), from late winter to spring, heads of coral orange flowers make a show, and repeat intermittently year-round. The inflorescences are very attractive to hummingbirds and bees. The leaf tips of this Aloe may turn purple and partially die back in situation of frosty temperatures, however it usually recovers quite easily. Being very drought and salt tolerant, this Aloe species is an excellent choice for seaside gardens and rock gardens.
- Grows up to 18 in. tall (45 cm) and 24 in. wide (60 cm).
- Easily grown in sandy or gravelly, moist or dry, well-drained soils in full sun or part shade. Once established, needs only occasional water. Drought and salt tolerant.
- Great for beds and borders, coastal gardens, rock gardens, succulent gardens or Mediterranean gardens.
- Deer resistant.
- Excellent fire-retardant succulent for wildfire-prone areas.
- Virtually disease free. Watch for scale insects and mealybugs.
- Native to South Africa
Requirements
Hardiness | 8 – 12 |
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Heat Zones | 1 – 12 |
Climate Zones | 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Cactus – Succulents |
Plant Family | Aloe |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter |
Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 2' (60cm) |
Spacing | 24″ (60cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Salt |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |