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The large, single stemmed species like the South Africa Aloe ferox and A. marlothii can be used singly as a focal point in a border. Another South African A. aborescens makes a good specimen plant in a lawn or in a very large pot. The indigenous A. kedongensis when planted close together makes an excellent hedge. In a large area a mass planting of single species of aloes like A. dawei or A. lateritia can be very attractive, especially when in flower and if the various color variations can be intermingled in the planting. A. secundiflora and others will make an attractive pot plant for a sunny location. Edging of borders can be attractively done with A. dorotheae. Several aloes have attractive white markings on their leaves, either dots or dashes or a mixture of both. Aloe flowers at a quick glance can be classified as red in colour but they range in colour from red through shades of orange, with some species producing yellow and peach colours.
The drought tolerance of aloes is well known but in extreme drought periods they will lose condition unless helped with a little water. This is particularly important for aloes in terracotta pots.
Aloes are a genus of plants that are worth getting to know as they are so rewarding for our increasingly dry conditions.
Plants Galore Garden Centre
Directions: Use the Limuru Road from Muthaiga and continue past the Village Market and the turning into Runda. 200 m beyond the Runda turning take the murram track on the right hand side, where there is a Plants Galore sign board. After the bridge over the river fork right; the Centre is 100 m on the right. You can’t miss it!
Telephone: 020 2446103
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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