Aloe striatula

Aloe striatula is a bushy aloe composed of thick stems that bear rosettes of long, fleshy, striped leaves, ending in points. This unusual silhouette is adorned with abundant flowering in late spring, in the form of long spikes of yellow-orange flowers that somewhat resemble those of tritomas. With a very exotic appearance, this spectacular plant from the high mountains of South Africa is quite resistant to strong frosts if in well-drained soil, and is particularly resistant to summer drought. It can be adopted without hesitation in mild climates, and enjoys a steep and rocky terrain with a very sunny and sheltered exposure. It grows very well in a large pot on the terrace, and should be stored over winter in colder climates.

Aloe striatula is a botanical species in the family Asphodelaceae, native to the Karoo and the mountains of Lesotho, in southwestern South Africa. This plant grows at altitudes up to 2000m (6500 ft). It is a large plant, more bushy than perennial, with succulent and evergreen foliage. It forms a large bush of loose habit, with semi-erect thick branches that spread more or less along the ground. An adult plant will reach about 1.5 meters (5 ft) in height and a span of 2 meters (7 ft), or even more under good growing conditions. Its branches, on average 2 cm (0.8 in) wide, give rise to thick and waxy leaves bordered by small teeth, sheathed at the base in striated green membranes on a greenish-white background. In May-June, rosettes of tall flower spikes appear bearing tubular lemon yellow to yellow-orange flowers that are much visited by pollinating insects. Aloe striatula produces numerous new stems when severely pruned, a skill that can be used to give it a beautiful dome shape, especially ornamental when the plant is in bloom.

Highly resistant to sea spray and drought, but also well-suited to a garden soil lightened with gravel and properly drained, Aloe striatula can be grown in pots to decorate the terrace or balcony, as well as in the ground in not too cold climates; in a raised bed overlooking a path or garage driveway, and of course in a rock garden or on a dry slope. In mild coastal regions it can be planted in the ground, as it is hardy to around -12°C, with the aboveground parts being destroyed below -9°C (15.8 °F). It makes a magnificent specimen in a sloping or rocky well-drained soil, or even anchored in dry stone walls. Elsewhere, it can be planted in a pot wider than it is tall (it multiplies quickly) to enjoy its strong personality on a terrace in a contemporary or exotic style. It can be paired with e.g. agaves, prickly pears, Delosperma, Carpobrotus, or shrubby Euphorbias (Euphorbia mellifera).

About Agaves and Aloes:

Aloes and agaves are similar in appearance but belong to two different botanical families. The main distinction lies in the fact that aloe rosettes flower for many years, while the flowering of a mature agave rosette marks the end of its life. In some species of Aloes, interfoliar buds give rise to new plants that cover the dried remains of the mother plant. In agaves, the central flower spike develops from the terminal bud. In aloes, the flower buds emerge between the leaves. Agaves are native to North America, while aloes are found only in the southern half of Africa, as well as in islands near the Indian Ocean.