Aloe hereroensis

Reference only - Not in production

Native to Namibia, Aloe hereroensis is an attractive 'medium-small' glaucous, pale blue-green aloe, usually solitary or with only a few rosettes in a clump that has 'fat', upward curving leaves with white linear flecking. Largely solitary and almost stemless, it may develop a short erect stem as it ages, reaching 1 to 2 feet tall. The plants tend to grow single rosettes with smooth pale blue-green leaves that curve upward and are flecked with white lines on the upper surface and capital h-shaped spots on the lower, especially in juvenile plants. Their margins are lined with small, sharp, red-brown spines. Aloe hereroensis blooms in mid-winter to early spring with multicolored orange to red flowers appearing in flattened branched racemes wider than long. Flowering depends largely on sunny positions, with shades of orange and red being the most common, although a pure yellow variety is found in the central pro Namib regions. Originating from Namibia but present in several southern African countries, Aloe hereroensis thrives in full sun with well-drained alkaline soil, making it suitable for rock gardens, succulent gardens, Mediterranean gardens, or decorative containers. It is moderately hardy, showing no damage to temperatures in the mid-20s Fahrenheit in southern California.