Aloe perfoliata

Description

Aloe perfoliata from the western cape region of South Africa and commonly known as the ‘Rubble Aloe’ due to its habit of growing on stony mountain slopes.  For us, Aloe perfoliata is an easy plant to cultivate, given full sun, it is best kept in a container either placed outdors once the danger of frost has passed or kept as a trough house/conservatory plant.  It’s unusual amongst Aloes in that the forgeous deep brick-red flowers are produced during summer when most of its cousins flower during the shorter days of winter.

Forming tight rosettes of triangular deep green leaves with white toothy spikes along the margins, the ‘Rubble Aloe’ is also sometimes called ‘Mitre Aloe’ as the rosettes are considered to resemble mitres.  I guess you’d have to squint.

A good, easy succulent with robust, if not frost hardy constitution that forms a medium sized architectural specimin.  Young plants make great windowsill plants, especially if you are forgetful with watering.