Aloe striatula ArticJungle

Aloe striatula ArticJungle is a spectacular shrub aloe with a trunk and branched stems that bear rosettes of long fleshy leaves, bright green, bordered with small non-prickly teeth and ending in points. This rather unique bush is adorned with abundant and colourful flowering in late spring, somewhat reminiscent of tritomas, in spikes of tubular flowers. Despite its tropical appearance, this aloe is quite resistant to heavy frosts, in well-drained soil. It is a drought-resistant plant. It can therefore be cultivated in mild climates, and also in warmer conditions, on steep and rocky terrain, in a sunny position, sheltered from cold winds. It also grows very well in a large pot on a terrace, to be moved indoors in colder climates.

Aloe striatula ArticJungle is a French horticultural selection from Laforêt nurseries, known for its vigour and robustness. The botanical species, from the Asphodelaceae family, is native to the Karoo region of South Africa and the mountains of Lesotho. This plant grows at up to 2000 m (6561 in 8 ft) in altitude. It is a tall aloe, more shrubby than perennial, with succulent foliage that persists in winter. The plant forms a large bush with a loose habit, with thick, semi-erect branches that spread more or less on the ground. An adult specimen will reach a height of about 1.50 m (4 in 11 ft) and a wingspan of 1.50 m (4 in 11 ft) or more under good growing conditions. Its branches, averaging 2 cm (0.8 in) wide, give rise to clusters of thick and waxy leaves bordered with small rounded teeth, sheathed at the base in green-streaked membranes on a whitish-green background. In May-June, tall flowering stems emerge bearing drooping tubular flowers. They are pale green when they open, gradually turning golden yellow and fading into coral orange. The flowers are very popular with pollinating insects. Aloe striatula ArticJungle produces numerous new shoots when heavily pruned, a feature that can be used to give it a beautiful dome shape, especially when the plant is in bloom. It is hardy to about -12°C, with above-ground parts being destroyed below -9°C (15.8 °F).

Highly resistant to salt spray and drought, and tolerant of well-drained gravelly garden soil, Aloe striatula ArticJungle is suitable for growing in pots to decorate a terrace or balcony, as well as in the ground in mild climates. In the garden plant it in a raised bed, overlooking a path or garage wall, in a rockery or on a dry slope. It makes a magnificent specimen in well-drained sloping or rocky terrain, or even anchored to dry stone walls. Elsewhere, it can be planted in a trough or a wide pot (it multiplies quickly) to show off its strong personality on a contemporary or exotic-themed terrace. It works well in combination with agaves, opuntias, delospermas, dasylirions, or shrubby euphorbias (Euphorbia mellifera). 

About Agaves and Aloes:

Aloes and agaves resemble each other but belong to two different botanical families. What sets them apart is that aloe rosettes flower for many years, while the flowering of a mature agave rosette marks the end of its life. In certain species of aloes, interfoliar buds give rise to new plants that cover the dried remains of the mother plant. In agaves, the central flowering stem develops from the terminal bud. In aloes, the floral buds emerge between the leaves. Agaves are native to North America, while aloes are found only in the southern half of Africa and the nearby islands of the Indian Ocean.