Overall Plant in Bloom
Common Name: coral aloe
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asphodelaceae
Native Range: Southern Africa
Zone: 9 to 11
Height: 1.00 to 2.00 feet
Spread: 1.00 to 2.00 feet
Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
Bloom Description: Orange-red
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry
Maintenance: Low
Flower: Showy
Leaf: Colorful, Evergreen
Tolerate: Drought, Dry Soil, Shallow-Rocky Soil
Culture
Best grown in dry, sandy loams in full sun. Provide supplemental irrigation during the summer growing season for the fastest growth and best appearance. Allow the soil to dry completely before watering. Greatly reduce watering during the winter dormant period. Hardy in Zones 9-11. May require additional winter protection in the coldest parts of Zone 9.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Aloe striata, commonly called coral aloe, is a stemless, succulent perennial native to rocky, coastal and inland slopes of South Africa and southern Namibia. This aloe is typically solitary but may slowly form small colonies from offsets. Mature rosettes can reach around 2' tall and equally as wide. The spreading, broad, pale grey-green, lanceolate foliage features dark green, longitudinal stripes and can reach up to 1.5' long and 6" wide. The leaf margins are smooth and can be tinged pink particularly in full sun conditions. A 2-3' tall, branched inflorescence bearing dense racemes of 1" long, orange-red, tubular flowers emerges seasonally from mature rosettes.
The genus name Aloe comes from the Arabic name of these perennial succulents.
The specific epithet striata means "striated" or "striped" in reference to the longitudinal stripes on the leaves of this species.
The common name coral aloe refers to the color of the flowers of this species.
Problems
No major pest or disease problems of note. Overly moist or waterlogged soils will lead to root or crown rot.
Uses
Specimen plant for xeriscaping, desert gardens, and rock gardens. Suitable for container culture.