Other Names:  syn. Aloe barberae

Description:

A branching tree variety with an upright, spreading habit; impressive rosettes of succulent medium green leaves crown the branches, occasionally produces erect racemes of tubular rose-pink flowers from late fall, into winter; a great landscape accent

Ornamental Features

Tree Aloe features showy racemes of rose flowers with pink overtones rising above the foliage from late fall to late winter. It has attractive green evergreen foliage. The succulent sword-like leaves are highly ornamental and remain green throughout the winter. The mottled gray bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes

Tree Aloe is an evergreen plant with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its strikingly bold and coarse texture can be very effective in a balanced landscape composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and usually looks its best without pruning, although it will tolerate pruning. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Spiny

Tree Aloe is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Container Planting

Planting & Growing

Tree Aloe will grow to be about 35 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 feet. It has a high canopy of foliage that sits well above the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. As it matures, the lower branches of this tree can be strategically removed to create a high enough canopy to support unobstructed human traffic underneath. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in sandy soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is not originally from North America. It can be propagated by cuttings.

Tree Aloe is a fine choice for the yard, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. Its large size and upright habit of growth lend it for use as a solitary accent, or in a composition surrounded by smaller plants around the base and those that spill over the edges. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when grown in a container, it may not perform exactly as indicated on the tag - this is to be expected. Also note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.