Photo of Aloe affinis flower by The Ruth Bancroft Garden

Photo by The Ruth Bancroft Garden

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Aloe affinis

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

  • H: 18"-36"
  • W: 24"-36"

planting zones

  • 9b-12

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Aloe affinis plant details

Aloe affinis is an evergreen cactus / succulent with green foliage. In winter pink and red flowers emerge. Attracts beneficial insects and hummingbirds. Grows well with sun - dappled shade and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in winter. Does well in gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Aloe affinis

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: asparagaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 24 IN - 36 IN - wide, 18 IN - 36 IN - tall
Flowers: pink and red blooms in winter
Uses: spiky

GROWING CONDITIONS for Aloe affinis

USDA Zones: 9b - 12
Sun exposure: sun - dappled shade
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

One of the largest groups in the genus Aloe is the one referred to as the “maculate aloes”, the majority of which are found in South Africa. The term “maculate” means spotted, and Aloe maculata is also the name of a species which is a widely-grown member of this group. Although spotted leaves are found in most of these aloes, Aloe affinis is an exception. It is often entirely lacking in spots, though plants sometimes have some. Like most other maculate aloes, it is a stemless species with branching flower stalks bearing flowers with a bulbous swollen base. Aloe affinis is native to northeastern South Africa, in an area where the rains come in summer, though it tolerates our winter rains. Its green leaves have lengthwise striping and are edged with a narrow dark brown border bearing sharp teeth. It flowers in winter, coming into bloom in February and March at the Ruth Bancroft Garden. The flower stalks, rising to a height of about 3 feet (1 m), have side branches, each topped by a conical raceme of flowers, becoming rounder as the flowering progresses. There may be as many as 10 branches, though our plants have never had this many. The flower color varies from reddish-pink to deep red, with some striping visible toward the tips, where darker bands alternate with lighter ones. Plants usually remain single rather than forming a clump.

Gardening facts about Aloe affinis plant

How to Grow Aloe affinis

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - dappled shade
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in winter
  • Soil Needs

    • lean
    • well-drained
    • rocky
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • pink
    • red
  • Wildlife

    • beneficial insects
    • hummingbirds
    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Flower Season

    • winter
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen

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