Aloe reitzii
A stocky and stemless evergreen succulent about 50cm in height and 60cm wide, forming an impressive rosette of glaucous silvery blue-green leaves, armed with short spines along its outer edges. During summer tall spikes of red flowers may appear
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Grey Silver Blue Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Grey Silver Blue Green | ||
| Autumn | Grey Silver Blue Green | |||
| Winter | Grey Silver Blue 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
- Clump forming
- 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
Correct
- Plant range
- Southern Africa
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 as soon as ripe, or propagate by separating offsets in spring or early summer. Root offsets in cactus potting compost
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Houseplants
- Low Maintenance
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to mealybugs and scale insects
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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