Nobilis Blue Aloe

Aloe perfoliata (syn. Aloe nobilis)

Light

Full sun (afternoon shade in low desert)

Water

Low water once established; water deeply, then let soil dry thoroughly. Water sparingly during extreme summer heat and cool winter weather; never keep roots continuously moist.

Size

1-2 ft tall × 2-3 ft wide

Habit

Clustering succulent

Toxicity

Toxic — Pets

Description

A clumping aloe with thick, blue-green leaves and pale marginal teeth. Identified here as Aloe perfoliata, also called mitre aloe; the trade name ‘Nobilis Blue’ may be used inconsistently.

Bloom Time

Summer

Deciduous / Evergreen

Evergreen

Special Features

Architectural Form, Attracts Hummingbirds, Drought Tolerant

Growth Rate

Slow

Growth Habit

Clustering succulent

Mature Size

1-2 ft tall × 2-3 ft wide

Flower Color

Orange-red

Foliage Color

Blue-gray

Landscape Use

Border / Bed, Cactus / Succulent Garden, Container / Patio, Desert / Xeriscape

Garden Style

Container / Patio, Desert / Xeriscape, Pollinator / Wildlife

Soil

Sandy / Rocky, Well-Drained

Companion Plants

Blue elf aloe, Elephant bush, Golden barrel cactus, Red yucca

Toxic — Pets

Toxic to pets if ingested

Care Instructions

Light: Morning sun with afternoon shade in Phoenix; avoid intense reflected heat and prolonged summer afternoon sun.

Water: Low water once established; water deeply, then let soil dry thoroughly. Water sparingly during extreme summer heat and cool winter weather; never keep roots continuously moist.

Soil: Very well-drained, gritty or gravelly soil. Use raised beds or containers with drainage holes where native soil drains poorly.

Mature size: Approximately 1–2 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide; older colonies can spread farther through offsets and trailing stems.

Bloom: Typically blooms in summer once mature; flowering varies with growing conditions.

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen.

Growth rate: Slow to moderate.