Aloe ciliaris var tidmarshii- 2ga

Aloe ciliaris var. tidmarshii is a slender, scrambling aloe from South Africa’s Eastern Cape that grows as a semi-woody climber with flexible stems 6 to 10 feet long, leaning on surrounding vegetation for support and producing narrow, soft green leaves with the distinctive ciliated leaf bases that define the Aloe ciliaris group. It remains evergreen in mild climates and is smaller and more delicate than the typical variety, with shorter leaves, fewer cilia, and a more rambling habit. The plant blooms for much of the year, with peak flowering in spring, producing unbranched 6- to 12-inch inflorescences bearing downward-facing orange-red tubular flowers tipped with yellow; the lax cylindrical racemes and darker buds distinguish it from other varieties, and the flowers attract birds and insects. Native to warm, frost-free slopes near Uitenhage and Grahamstown, it was first described in 1903 from material sent by Edwin Tidmarsh, later elevated and then reduced again to varietal rank; taxonomic revisions highlight its chromosomal distinctiveness and smaller stature within the ciliaris complex. In cultivation it grows well in full sun to bright shade with excellent drainage, tolerates drought but responds to occasional irrigation, and may need structural support for vertical display; pruning helps manage spread, and it is generally pest resistant. Frost tender to about 25–30 °F, it suits USDA Zone 9b and warmer, requiring protection from cold winds and winter moisture, particularly for young plants. In gardens it functions as a groundcover, informal hedge, or trained climber, weaving through shrubs or softening hardscape edges, while its extended bloom period provides consistent color and pollinator support in warm, water-wise landscapes.