Cape Aloe

Aloe ferox

Light

Full sun (afternoon shade in low desert)

Water

Low water once established; water deeply, then let soil dry thoroughly. Provide occasional supplemental water during prolonged hot, dry weather; reduce watering in winter.

Size

5-10 ft tall × 3-5 ft wide

Habit

Rosette succulent – single-stem

Toxicity

Toxic — Pets & Livestock

Description

A bold, tree-like South African aloe with thick, spiny leaves forming a large rosette atop a stout trunk; also called Cape aloe or bitter aloe.

Bloom Time

Winter to early spring

Deciduous / Evergreen

Evergreen

Special Features

Architectural Form, Attracts Bees / Pollinators, Attracts Hummingbirds, Drought Tolerant

Growth Rate

Slow to moderate

Growth Habit

Rosette succulent – single-stem

Mature Size

5-10 ft tall × 3-5 ft wide

Flower Color

Orange to red

Foliage Color

Blue-green to gray-green

Landscape Use

Border / Bed, Cactus / Succulent Garden, Container / Patio, Specimen / Accent

Garden Style

Desert / Xeriscape, Pollinator / Wildlife

Soil

Sandy / Rocky, Well-Drained

Companion Plants

Desert spoon, Golden barrel cactus, Parry's agave, Red yucca

Toxic — Pets & Livestock

Toxic to pets (dogs, cats, horses) if ingested; sap/latex causes GI upset

Care Instructions

Light: Morning sun with afternoon shade is best in Phoenix. Established plants tolerate full sun with acclimation, but avoid intense reflected heat.

Water: Low water once established; water deeply, then let soil dry thoroughly. Provide occasional supplemental water during prolonged hot, dry weather; reduce watering in winter.

Soil: Very well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil. Plant on a raised mound where drainage is poor; use a gritty cactus mix in containers.

Mature size: Typically 6–10 feet tall and 3–5 feet wide; flower stalks extend above the foliage.

Bloom: Typically blooms in winter to early spring once mature; flowering repeats annually under favorable conditions.

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen.

Growth rate: Slow.