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.

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

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