One of the most iconic South African aloes, Aloe marlothii, has started blooming and is providing bright splashes of colour in many areas. Indigenous to South Africa, this aloe is used extensively in landscaping as it is easy to grow and requires very little maintenance while offering a majestic presence in the garden.
The Mountain Aloe, Aloe marlothii, is a single-stemmed, upright aloe with a height of 2 – 3m with a single wide and imposing rosette. The waxy leaves are grey green in colour with reddish brown spines along the margins and randomly on other parts of the leaf. The persistent older leaves form a skirt around the trunk which protects the plant from grazing animals, fire and the heat. In addition, the thorns on the leaves and the very rough, hard, dried leaves prevent browsing animals from stunting the Aloe’s growth.
Mountain aloes are found mainly in bushveld areas, especially along northern mountainous slopes and rocky terrains, but are distributed through most of the provinces of South Africa.
Flowering takes place from May to September and the colour is typically bright orange, but can vary from yellow to red.
Aloe marlothii is an extremely hardy plant that can tolerate heat, cold and drought conditions. Aloe marlothii has horizontally branched spikes of tubular orange or red flowers. It is an excellent accent plant. It will attract many species of birds and butterflies to the garden.
Plant Aloe marlothii in well-drained soil and do not overwater. This is the typical highveld Aloe seen on rocky ridges. Used medicinally.
You may find stock of this plant at Random Harvest.
