Aloe ferox, commonly known as Cape Aloe, Bitter Aloe, or Red Aloe, is a tall, solitary succulent native to South Africa and Lesotho. It features large rosettes of blue-green to gray-green leaves lined with reddish spines along the margins and often across both surfaces. Mature plants develop a single trunk over time, typically reaching 6 to 10 feet tall, sometimes taller, and may display a skirt of dried leaves around the base. From late fall to early spring, Aloe ferox produces tall, branched inflorescences with tubular flowers ranging in color from red and orange to yellow. These blooms are rich in nectar and attract a wide variety of wildlife, including birds, insects, and even monkeys in native habitats. The species thrives in full sun and well-draining soils and tolerates drought, though it benefits from occasional watering during the growing season. Endemic to dry slopes, karoo edges, and grassy fynbos across the Cape and Free State provinces, Aloe ferox is also valued for its historic medicinal use, especially for the bitter sap beneath its leaf skin. It is suitable for USDA Zones 9–11, with foliage tolerating brief frost and flowers sensitive around 24°F. In gardens, it makes a striking focal point, supports pollinators, and brings both ornamental and ethnobotanical value to xeric landscapes. This plant has been grown in a 3ga pot. You will receive a very similar plant to the one in the picture.
