Aloe Mitriformis
Regular price R 59.95Aloe mitriformis, Mitre Aloe. A bold and resilient succulent, Aloe mitriformis forms sprawling clusters of fleshy, triangular leaves with striking reddish teeth along the edges. In Cape Town, it bursts into tall spikes of brilliant orange‑red flowers during midsummer (December–February), attracting sunbirds and pollinators to the garden. Perfect for rockeries, slopes, or water‑wise borders, this indigenous aloe thrives in full sun and well‑drained soil. For best effect, plant 80–100cm apart to allow each rosette to spread naturally. With its dramatic foliage and fiery blooms, the Mitre Aloe is a true statement plant for any landscape. An aloe from the Cape that flowers during summer. The stems of this succulent aloe trail along the ground, often rooting where they touch down. The leaves are short and broad and arranged in a rosette and has a toothy edge.
Plant in sandy, well‑draining soil and position in full sun for maximum flowering. Space plants 80–100cm apart to give each rosette room to spread. Water sparingly, especially during Cape Town’s rainy winters, as aloes dislike soggy roots. Remove spent flower stalks to keep plants tidy and encourage new growth. Feed lightly with a balanced fertilizer in spring to support foliage and flowering.
The name mitriformis means “shaped like a bishop’s mitre,” referring to the triangular form of its leaves. This aloe is often used to stabilize slopes thanks to its spreading growth habit, making it both ornamental and practical.
| Botanical Name | Aloe Mitriformis |
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Growth Expectancy
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2m H x 2m W
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Position
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Sun
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| Water Smart | Yes |
| Indigenous | Yes |
Aloe castanea | Cat’s Tail Aloe
Regular price R 98.95The Cat’s Tail Aloe is a striking South African succulent shrub, named for its unusual long, tail‑like flower spikes that curve and twist like a cat’s tail. These blooms appear in mid‑ to late winter (July-September) in Cape Town, opening into clusters of rusty orange to brownish‑red flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and sunbirds. Its evergreen, fleshy leaves form a dense shrub that can reach up to 2-3m tall, making it an excellent choice for water‑wise gardens, rockeries, and wildlife‑friendly landscapes. Hardy and drought‑tolerant, it thrives in full sun with well‑drained soil, providing year‑round structure and seasonal bursts of colour. A dramatic, wildlife‑attracting aloe that brings both structure and seasonal spectacle to Cape Town gardens.
Plant in full sun in well‑drained soil during autumn (Mar-May) or spring (Sep-Nov). Water sparingly Aloe castanea is drought‑tolerant once established. Feed lightly with a succulent fertilizer in spring to encourage strong growth. Remove spent flower spikes to keep the plant tidy. Protect from excessive frost, though it tolerates Cape Town’s winters well.
Aloe castanea is indigenous to South Africa, particularly the Limpopo region, and is one of the few aloes with brownish‑rust coloured flowers, giving it a distinctive look compared to the more common red or yellow flowering aloes. Its nectar‑rich blooms are a magnet for sunbirds, making it a favourite for gardeners who want to bring wildlife into their spaces.
| Botanical Name | Aloe castanea |
| Growth Expectancy | 2-3m H x 2-3m W |
| Position | Sun |
| Water Wise | Yes |
| Insigenous | Yes |
