Bloomin’ Aloes
Posted at 2:40 pm January 10, 2007 by Mike Bostwick
This time of year, mid to late winter, is an unusual time for a plant family to put on its greatest show. When most of the country is supposed to be freezing and under snow, Southern California is in the midst of one of its spectacular blooming shows! Aloes, which are mainly from southern Africa, have adapted very well to this similar-type climate and put on their flower show in a riotous act of colors. They bloom typically from late winter to late spring, while some aloes are in bloom sometime every month of the year. The oranges and reds that aloes are known for are sometimes overshadowed by blooms of white and scarlet, yellow and green, to the multiple shades of warm hues. All combined in our garden settings, they present a color spectacular. The main African collection site, across from the Veldt exhibit on the San Diego Zoo’s Horn & Hoof Mesa, has the highest concentration of blooming aloes this time of year. (A fierce aloe Aloe ferox is pictured.)
The Zoos’ collection of aloes is comprised of 114 taxa and is one of the largest in California. The plants range from the small 6-inch miniatures to the tree-like Aloe bainesii, of which we have four on grounds that are over 12 feet tall. In their native habitat, they grow in the rocky hills of South Africa, mainly in full sun. They do not take frost but some in hotter areas like partial shade. Water requirements are little, but they will take additional amounts of water if given (see Weblog, The Aloe Tree).
Aloes will grow as solitary specimens or as large clumps like the ” tree-like” species Aloe arborescens. If you get an aloe plant, be sure to confirm the species, as certain ones can be a problem of large magnitude if they grow too big for your space. They can take over an entire area by their spreading habit. Always keep in mind that they are armed and working with them can be hazardous and painful if you are punctured. However, looking at them can bring great pleasure–come to the Zoo and enjoy our bloomin’ aloes!
Mike Bostwick is the horticulturist for the San Diego Zoo.
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January 11th, 2007 at 2:00 pm
Thanks for a most interesting blog, Mike. I knew there were many aloe varieties, but didn’t realize our zoo has so many. On my many walks through the Horn and Hoof Mesa, I often hear visitors gasping in awe over these spectacular plants. And having lived through midwestern and eastern winters, I know how amazing it is to see such beauty at this time of year.
January 11th, 2007 at 4:38 pm
Just to clarify, one will not find Aloe ferox (pictured) at the main Aloe collection site across from the Veldt as mentioned. However, nearby, at the south side of the Veldt itself is where you will find a few nice specimens of them.