Photo of Aloe elgonica flower by Dry Oasis Plants

Photo by Dry Oasis Plants

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Buy Aloe elgonica

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

  • H: 3'-4'
  • W: 2'-6'

planting zones

  • 9b-12

4in | $10.75

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Aloe elgonica plant details

Aloe elgonica is an evergreen cactus / succulent with green and pink foliage. In spring and summer red flowers emerge. Attracts hummingbirds. Grows well with sun - dappled shade and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in gritty, rocky and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Aloe elgonica

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: asparagaceae, asphodelaceae
Foliage: evergreen green and pink
Mature size: 2 FT - 6 FT - wide, 3 FT - 4 FT - tall
Flowers: red blooms in spring and summer
Uses: container plant, easy-to-grow, houseplant, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Aloe elgonica

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

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Aloe elgonica, originating from the Trans-Nzoia District of Kenya, is a captivating clump-forming plant boasting rosettes up to almost 2 feet across. This suckering aloe presents a range of heights, from low-growing when deprived of water to reaching up to 3-4 feet tall with adequate protection and watering, with stems branching from the base to form dense clumps. Its thick, glossy leaves exhibit a charming pink blush upon emergence and feature prominent broad teeth along the margins. During late spring through mid-summer, vibrant red flowers adorn upright spikes on simple or branching inflorescences, reaching heights of up to 3 feet. Endemic to the Southern and Eastern slopes of Mount Elgon, Africa’s largest volcano along the Uganda-Kenya border, Aloe elgonica thrives in full sun to light shade and well-drained soil, requiring occasional to infrequent irrigation once established. Hardy and easy to cultivate, albeit with sharp foliage requiring careful handling, this aloe adds striking red foliage and flower color to the landscape, forming large masses, whether staying low without irrigation or bulking up to over 3 feet with regular watering.

Gardening facts about Aloe elgonica plant

How to Grow Aloe elgonica

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - dappled shade
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
    • rocky
    • gritty

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • pink
    • green
  • Flower Color

    • red
  • Wildlife

    • hummingbirds
    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen

See other plant types of Aloe for your garden

aka Spiral Aloe

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

9a-12

Size

Height: 8"-12"

Width: 12"-24"

  • sun - dappled shade
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in winter
Photo of Aloe polyphylla form by Stan Shebs
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aka Cooper's Hardy Grass Aloe

Plant Type

Perennial, Cactus / Succulent

Zones

8b-11

Size

Height: 15"-36"

Width: 12"-18"

  • sun - dappled shade
  • regular - occasional
  • dry in winter
Photo of Aloe cooperi flower by Stickpen
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aka Aloe 'Sunset', Aloe dorothaea, Aloe dorotheae 'Sunset', Aloe harmsii, Sunset Aloe

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

9b-12

Size

Height: 8"-12"

Width: 12"-18"

  • sun - dappled shade
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in winter
  • dry when dormant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Aloe dorotheae foliage by Stan Shebs
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aka Reynolds Grass Aloe

Plant Type

Perennial, Cactus / Succulent

Zones

9a-12

Size

Height: 12"-16"

Width: 6"-12"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in winter
  • dry when dormant
Photo of Aloe dominella form by Peter Warren
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aka Aloe inyangensis 'Christian', Grass Aloe

Plant Type

Perennial, Cactus / Succulent

Zones

9a-12

Size

Height: 12"-18"

Width: 12"-24"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
  • dry in winter
Photo of Aloe inyangensis flower, foliage, form by tonrulkens
View Plant

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