Gonialoe variegata (v)

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partridge-breasted aloe

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partridge-breasted aloe RHS / Joanna Kossak
partridge-breasted aloe RHS / Joanna Kossak

Other common names

kanniedood aloe, partridge breast aloe, tiger aloe

Synonyms

Aloe variegata
Aloe ausana

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Conservatory Greenhouse Cactus Succulent Houseplants
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An evergreen perennial to 20cm, forming a clump of rosettes of stiff, fleshy, pointed dark green leaves attractively-banded with white. Racemes of tubular salmon-red flowers in summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H1C

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asphodelaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Ingestion may cause severe discomfort. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling
Genus
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
S Africa, Namibia

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 with heat as soon as ripe or from offsets in late spring or early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free