A very hardy South African Aloe, this succulent shrub can easily tolerate most UK winters if given a free draining soil. A sprawling shrub like plant that can reach around 1 meter in height with a similar spread and has toothed edged, sword shaped, succulent leaves on woody, striped stems. In summer 40cm tall racemes of yellow, almost Kniphophia (Red hot poker) like flowers are produced making large plants look like a giant, natural candelabra.

Not only will this plant tolerate cold but once established is very drought resistant requiring little water during the growing season. It can sometimes become a bit leggy so just cut back and new side shoots will appear up and down the bare stem creating a bushier plant. Do this in late spring, early summer during a few dry days so the stem calluses over without wet getting into the scare and causing rot. Full sun, well drained soil, could not be easier!

Sent as a young plant in a 9cm pot.

Additional photo  Stan Shebs, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=645870