Kumara plicatilis
fan aloe
A shrub or small tree with a woody trunk and branches of spineless, strap-shaped, light green, to blue-grey leaves, to 30cm long, borne in fans. The tubular, vermillion flowers tipped with yellowish-green are borne at the end of upright flower spikes 30-45cm long from late winter to early spring
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Red | Grey Silver Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Grey Silver Green | |||
| Autumn | Grey Silver Green | |||
| Winter | Green Red | Grey Silver Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Asphodelaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- South Africa (Cape)
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass grow in a sharply-draining, peat-free, loam-based compost with extra sharp sand; in full sun and with good ventilation. Water moderately during the spring to early autumn, allowing the compost to dry between watering. Water sparingly and keep in cool temperatures 10°C and low humidity during the winter. Fertiliser may be applied two or three times during the growing season
Propagation
Propagate by seed at 21°C or stem cuttings taken in late spring and early summer and rooted in sharply-draining cactus compost
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free although can be susceptible to root rot if grown in a wet soil
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