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Hairy Green Aloe

Aloe tomentosa

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Hairy Green Aloe (Aloe tomentosa) at Roger's Gardens

Hairy Green Aloe in bloom

Hairy Green Aloe in bloom

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Hairy Green Aloe (Aloe tomentosa) at Roger's Gardens

Hairy Green Aloe flowers

Hairy Green Aloe flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Plant Height:  24 inches

Flower Height:  4 feet

Spread:  4 feet

Sunlight:  full sun 

Hardiness Zone:  9a

Description:

An unusual selection producing a single large rosette of pale green leaves; tall, branching racemes of chartreuse flowers covered in thick wool rise up in late summer; a wonderful garden or container accent

Ornamental Features

Hairy Green Aloe features showy racemes of chartreuse tubular flowers with white overtones rising above the foliage from late summer to early fall. Its attractive succulent sword-like leaves remain light green in color with hints of chartreuse throughout the year.

Landscape Attributes

Hairy Green Aloe is an herbaceous evergreen perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its wonderfully bold, coarse texture can be very effective in a balanced garden composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and usually looks its best without pruning, although it will tolerate pruning. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

  • Spiny

Hairy Green Aloe is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Accent
  • Mass Planting
  • Rock/Alpine Gardens
  • General Garden Use
  • Container Planting

Planting & Growing

Hairy Green Aloe will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity extending to 4 feet tall with the flowers, with a spread of 4 feet. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.

This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in sandy soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division.

Hairy Green Aloe is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Accent  Massing  Rock  Garden  Container 
Applications
Flowers  Foliage Color  Texture 
Ornamental Features