Aloe arborescens 'Variegata' (v)
variegated candelabra aloe
A much-branched tree-like succulent perennial about 2-4m tall, of shrubby habit, with rosettes of succulent, toothed, sword-shaped bright green leaves to 60cm long, striped with pale yellow. Occasionally it produces tubular red flowers in erect terminal racemes, in late spring and early summer
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Yellow | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Yellow | |||
| Autumn | Red | Green Yellow | ||
| Winter | Green Yellow |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Asphodelaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Human/Pets (dogs, cats, rabbits): Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Aloe can be mat-forming or shrubby evergreen perennials, with rosettes of fleshy leaves and small tubular flowers in racemes or panicles
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow indoors in a container of peat-free, cacti potting compost, or peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added horticultural grit. Water moderately when in growth, very sparingly when dormant in winter. Apply a general liquid fertiliser monthly from May to August. Can be placed outdoors in summer, see aloe cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 21°C or by offsets in early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Sub-tropical
- Architectural
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.