Tree Aloe

As of yet I haven't posted an article about any plant that isn't at home in both the High and Low deserts of Southern California. That's about to change somewhat because of this very interesting tree. Now the reason I say somewhat is that it's quite possible to grow many different types and varieties of plants in the desert depending on how well we take care of them....not in the summer but in the winter.

Tree Aloe, Aloe barberae is one such plant that will do well in our tough desert climates provided this plant is given a sunny and warm indoor location during the cold winter months. Don't let something like this deter you from giving this interesting and unique plant a try in containers, especially if you have a swimming pool and have a tropical motif working. Tree Aloe is a slow growing tree so it won't soon dominate an area of your landscape. They make great specimen trees.

Tree Aloe is an evergreen tree that hails from the southern hemisphere, African in origin, being native to South Africa, Mozambique, and Swaziland. This is a tall, upright growing succulent that can reach heights as much as 30 feet. For the most part it doesn't generally reach that height and will stay closer in the 20 foot range. It can grow much larger though. In its native habitat the tree could possibly reach heights of up to 60 feet! This is considerably unlikely in the desert however especially when container grown.

The tree is very drought tolerant so you are safe to plant in full sun locations. During the hotter days of summer moderate water is recommended. Hardiness however depends on many factors. An occasional freeze to 25-30 degrees is not liable to cause the tree any significant damage. That explains one reason why you'll see these remarkable trees all along Southern California. Long term deep freezes are another story altogether. If you live in a location where freezes are regular then growing these trees in containers that can be relocated indoors during the winter is an alternative. Tree aloe needs a minimum average daily temperature of 50°F (10°C).

In the winter, at the end of its rather thick and interesting branches, you'll find great clusters of 4-5 feet rosettes. These rosettes in turn produce a rather colorful rose-pink flowers at the end of elongated 2 foot stalks. Then can be quite a site! So if you might be considering a tree that is unique, interesting, colorful, works well as a specimen and don't mind putting in a little work to grow them in containers then Tree Aloe might just be something to peak your curiosity.