Aloe marlothii (Mountain Aloe)
Adding a majestic presence to the garden, Aloe marlothii (Mountain Aloe) is a large evergreen succulent forming a dense rosette of fleshy, grayish green leaves, up to 5 ft. long (150 cm), with a broad base tapering to a sharp point. They are covered with reddish-brown spines along the edges and randomly on their upper and lower surfaces. The old leaves remain after they have dried, forming a 'petticoat' on the stem. Single-stemmed, Mountain Aloe produces a spreading, branched panicle with up to 30 racemes borne more or less horizontally. The tubular flowers vary from orange-red to yellow or bright red. Robust and striking, this Aloe makes a beautiful display in sunny borders or decorative containers and is great for attracting nectar-feeding birds.
- Grows up to 8-10 ft. tall (240-300 cm) and 4-6 ft. wide (120-180 cm).
- Easily grown in well-drained soils in full sun. Water once a week for the first month following planting and reduce watering thereafter. Well-established plants can survive for several months without water.
- Great for beds and borders, rock gardens, succulent gardens or Mediterranean gardens. Ideal as an accent plant in sunny borders or 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.
- Aloe marlothii can be grown from seed or can be propagated by offsets.
- Native to South Africa
Requirements
Hardiness | 9 – 12 |
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Heat Zones | 10 – 11 |
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 |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter |
Height | 8' – 10' (240cm – 3m) |
Spread | 4' – 6' (120cm – 180cm) |
Spacing | 72″ (180cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought |
Attracts | Bees, Birds, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |