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perennial

Aloe x principis

Aloe x principis

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Aloe x principis (Aloe x principis) at Lakeshore Garden Centres

Aloe x principis in bloom

Aloe x principis in bloom

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Aloe x principis (Aloe x principis) at Lakeshore Garden Centres

Aloe x principis flowers

Aloe x principis flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Aloe x principis (Aloe x principis) at Lakeshore Garden Centres

Aloe x principis in bloom

Aloe x principis in bloom

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Plant Height:  6 feet

Flower Height:  10 feet

Spread:  6 feet

Sunlight:  full sun 

Hardiness Zone:  9a

Other Names:  syn. Aloe x salm-dyckiana

Description:

A hybrid selection that typically branches at the base, but may rise on a solitary trunk; large, gray green leaves and erect spikes of dark red flowers in winter; a wonderful garden or container accent

Ornamental Features

Aloe x principis features showy spikes of dark red tubular flowers rising above the foliage from late fall to mid winter. Its attractive large succulent sword-like leaves remain grayish green in colour throughout the year.

Landscape Attributes

Aloe x principis is an herbaceous evergreen perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its wonderfully bold, coarse texture can be very effective in a balanced garden composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and usually looks its best without pruning, although it will tolerate pruning. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

  • Spiny

Aloe x principis is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Accent
  • Mass Planting
  • Rock/Alpine Gardens
  • General Garden Use
  • Container Planting

Planting & Growing

Aloe x principis will grow to be about 6 feet tall at maturity extending to 10 feet tall with the flowers, with a spread of 6 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 2 feet from the ground. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.

This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in sandy soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

Aloe x principis is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. Its large size and upright habit of growth lend it for use as a solitary accent, or in a composition surrounded by smaller plants around the base and those that spill over the edges. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden. Be aware that in our climate, most plants cannot be expected to survive the winter if left in containers outdoors, and this plant is no exception. Contact our experts for more information on how to protect it over the winter months.

This plant is not reliably hardy in our region, and certain restrictions may apply; contact the store for more information.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Accent  Massing  Rock  Garden  Container 
Applications
Flowers  Foliage Color  Texture 
Ornamental Features