This evergreen succulent perennial is native to the rocky slopes of coastal and karoo areas of South Africa and belongs to the Asphodelaceae family that also includes daylily (Hemerocallis), red hot poker (Kniphofia), and foxtail lily (Eremurus). It forms coarse rosettes of broadly ovate leaves that are toothless, 1.5′ long, narrowly striated and edged in red. The gray green leaves tend to take on a pinkish color in full sun while being blue green in more shade. The short decumbent stem elongates to 3″ with maturity. From late winter to early spring 1-3 widely branched flowering stems arise 2′ above the foliage bearing clusters of coral red flowers 1.25″ long. As the plant matures, offsets form at the base of the plant and form a colony. Coral aloe is salt and drought tolerant and is an excellent choice for borders, beds, and containers as well as coastal, succulent, and rock gardens. Many of the plants sold as A. striata are actually a hybrid with A. maculata, have teeth on the leaf margins and lack the rose-tinge on the sun grown leaves. The genus name, Aloe, is derived from the Arabic word alloeh meaning bitter and shiny substance and refers to the latex in the leaves . The specific epithet, striata, is the Latin word for grooved or striped and refers to the striated leaves.
Type: Evergreen succulent perennial
Bloom: Clusters of coral red flowers from late winter to early spring
Size: 3′ H x 2′ W
Light: Full sun with some afternoon shade in hot climates
Soil: Fertile, medium moist, very well-drained; drought tolerant
Hardiness: Zones 9-10
Care: Fertilize two or three times during the bloom time
Pests and Diseases: None of significance
Propagation: Seed, offsets
Companion Plants: California poppy, bird of paradise, cactus
Photo Credit: Wikipedia