Aloe excelsa (Zimbabwe Aloe, Noble Aloe)


Botanical Information

FamilyAsphodelaceae
GenusAloe
Speciesexcelsa
CategoryPerennials, Tropicals
OriginNative to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, and Northwestern South Africa.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone9a - 11
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cold season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH1c-H3
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)(-3.8)- 4.5
Temperature (°F)25 - 40
HeightTypically 3 m but can reach 6 m.
Spread60 - 120 cm
GrowthFast

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA tall aloe, reaching up to 6 m, although 3 m is a more common height.
ShapeUpright-spreading.
LandscapeIdeal for rock gardens, arid landscapes, as a container plant, in mass arid plantings, as a potted indoor or patio plant or as a specimen.
PropagationDivision of clumps.
CultivationRequires well-drained, neutral, sandy potting soil in full sun to partial shade. Requires protection from any harsh weather conditions.
PestsSpider mites, mealy bugs, scale insects and aphid species.
Notable SpecimensHarry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida, United States of America.
HabitatDry mountain slopes.
Leaf DescriptionA compact rosette at the top, becoming recurved and up to 1 m long, dark green in summer and succulent, up to 3 cm thick at the centre.
Flower DescriptionThe flowers are produced in summer on a spike up to 90 cm tall, each flower pendulous, with a tubular corolla 2 - 3 cm long.
Texture DescriptionSimilar to some other Aloe species, young plants have a great number of spines over their leaf surfaces.

Photographs