Aloe speciosa

Prone to rust, treat with copper-oxychloride

High

August
September

September
October
November

Occurs in dry river bed valleys, on mountain slopes and flats. Found from the Western Cape to the Eastern Cape. 

Fast

The head of the rosette is tilted in the direction it recieves the most sunlight.

Add A. speciosa to a wild life garden, as a focal point on a rockery or on slopes. Plant along side other indigenous and water wise plants. 

South Africa

Afri: Spaansaalwyn, Slaphoringaalwyn. Xhosa: ikhala

Aloe speciosa is a evergreen succulent tree that is frost tender. It is multi or single stemmed and is wind tolarant and suitable for coastal gardens.

Plant in well draining, sandy loam, fertile soil with added bone-meal and mulch with compost. 

Aloe speciosa will hybridise with other species.

Treat the seeds with fungicide to prevent damping off. Sow seeds in seeding trays and cover with sand. The soil must be well draining and carefull not to over water as the seedlings will rot. Seedlings can be transplanted in to bigger containers once they reach 3cm in  height. 

3-6 meter *

Sandy , Loam , Well drained , Fertile , Enriched

The leaves can be used to dye wool pink.

Use as a focal point or in waterwise garden.

Attracts sunbirds, bees, ants and butterflies.