Hardy aloe

Shrub · Succulent

Aloiampelos striatula

Hardy aloe

Also known as: Aloe striatula

A scrambling evergreen aloe with narrow leaves and tall spikes of yellow tubular flowers.

  • Full sun
  • 1.5–2.5 m (5–8 ft)
  • 1.5–2.5 m (5–8 ft)
  • H3 · Zone 9
  • June–August
  • Evergreen
  • RHS Award of Garden Merit

Overview

Native to southern Africa, this woody succulent makes a loose, branching shrub with finely toothed leaves and striped leaf sheaths. Yellow flower spikes rise above the foliage in summer. It tolerates brief light frost in dry soil, but winter wet and prolonged freezing can kill stems or roots.

At a Glance

Sun Full sun
Height 1.5–2.5 m (5–8 ft)
Spread 1.5–2.5 m (5–8 ft)
Hardiness H3 · Zone 9
Flowers June–August
Soil Loam, Sand
Moisture Dry
Habit Branched, Scrambling
Water Low
Maintenance Easy

Growing Conditions

Min. Temperature -5°C (23°F)
pH Range 6–8
Fertility Average
Drainage Free Draining

Aspect Suitability

  • East-facing
  • South-facing
  • West-facing

Site Tolerance

  • Coastal
  • Drought

Soil Tolerance

  • Sandy
  • Loam
  • Acid
  • Neutral pH
  • Alkaline

Foliage

Persistence Evergreen
Colour Green
Leaf shape / texture linear_lanceolate
  • Architectural foliage

Foliage interest: 12 months of the year

Seasonal Timeline

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Flowering
Foliage
Fruiting
Propagate
  • Flowering Jun Jul Aug
  • Foliage 12 months of the year
  • Fruiting Aug Sep Oct
  • Propagate Apr May Jun Jul Aug

Maintenance Calendar

  • Apr Remove frost-damaged stems once new growth appears
  • May Plant into sharply drained soil after frost
  • Jun Take stem cuttings and let cuts dry before potting
  • Aug Remove spent flower stalks if seed is not needed
  • Oct Protect from winter rain and move pots under cover

Garden Design

Works well in: Desert / Dry, Mediterranean, Modern / Contemporary, Tropical / Exotic

Best against a warm wall or on a raised, freely draining bank. Provide extra support if stems become top-heavy.

Companion planting: Succulents, Dryland grasses, Mediterranean shrubs

Wildlife Value

  • Bees
  • Food source
  • Food

Safety

Leaf teeth can scratch. Do not use this ornamental species as edible or medicinal aloe.