Aloe × spinosissima
spiny aloe
An evergreen succulent comprising a number of rosettes of long, narrow, fleshy leaves with stubby spines along the edges and on both surfaces, clustered around a short woody trunk. Upright spires of coral red, tubular flowers are produced in late winter
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Red | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Asphodelaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- 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
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in loam-based potting compost with added grit in frost-free conditions in full sun or light shade
Propagation
Propagate from offsets in late spring or early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Coastal
- Patio and container plants
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Gravel garden
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.